Stroop interference in native users of sign language

Abstract

Native speakers of sign language provide an interesting sample in which to explore the boundary between the processing of gestures and formal languages. Imaging studies suggest that comprehending sign language involves systems common to both recognizing gestures and spoken language comprehension. In this study we compared performance on two tasks: a sign language version of the Stroop task and the Simon task. We collected baseline behavioral data from three groups, those with deaf individuals who used Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) as their dominant language, fluent English/AUSLAN bilinguals and non-signing native English greater respose interference than the non-lingustic stimili in the Simon task. These results suggest a special status for linguistic information regardless of changes in the input and output modes.