Foreign Language Learning of Visually Impaired and Sightless ESL Students

Abstract

This study investigates the language teaching methods and techniques applied in the EFL lessons of sightless language learners. As mental images have significant roles in diverse domains e.g. learning and memory, the interrelationship between perception and imagery serves as a basis for novel language teaching methods for sightless language learners. Multisensory language teaching method and its techniques based on the Dual Coding Theory of Memory and the Multiple Code Theory may support the language education of blind students. The research was carried out in the special school for the blind in Budapest to examine whether the techniques of multisensory language teaching method appear during the EFL lessons of sightless learners. The findings revealed that although sightless language learners apply auditory and tactile techniques during the language learning process, they do not implement them simultaneously which would be the main aspect of multisensory language learning.