Na, Ji Young, Blackstone, S., Wilkinson, K. (July 22, 2014). The Relation between Multiculturalism and Emotion and the Implications for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Design. Presentation at ISAAC in Lisboa, Portugal. [Presentation Slides].
Aim: The purpose of this presentation is to deliver information about cross-cultural and cross-linguistic approaches to emotion and discuss the implications for AAC system design. Several studies related to each of the two main contributing factors (language development [AAC] and cultural background) will be discussed.
Method: This synthesis is based on review of literature. Both electronic and hand searches were conducted to find relevant publications. First, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals using electronic databases was completed. Then, key journals and reference lists of relevant studies were hand searched for publications not identified by the electronic search.
Results: This synthesis provides empirical evidence to support that typically developing children’s language abilities and emotion development are positively correlated. The review also supports the hypothesis that individuals with disabilities are at risk in terms of development of emotional competencies. There are some universal characteristics in terms of emotion recognition and expression across cultures. However, the impacts of culture on emotional recognition and expression are clearly supported by results of this review. The review regarding how individuals without disabilities perceive visual-graphic representations of emotion provides meaningful information about emotion symbols. The impacts of culture on perception of emotion symbols are also supported by this synthesis.
Conclusion: Emotional competencies are closely related to children’s ability to communicate, learn, and interact socially and ultimately their quality of life. This synthesis supports needs for culturally sensitive assessment and intervention for early development of emotional competencies in children with CCN.
Additional Information:
– Talking about Emotions Using Culturally Sensitive AAC
– PhD Scholars Present at 29th Annual Graduate Exhibition
– Multicultural & Multilingual Perspectives on Emotion in Children With CCN