Home Language Environment of Young Deaf Children in Nigeria

This qualitative study explored the home language environment of young deaf children in Nigeria during the critical developmental window from birth to eight years. Using semi-structured interviews and home observations, data were collected from six hearing families in a southwestern state. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed three superordinate themes: family-mediated communication and language access, developmental and social ecology, and expressive language development and skill acquisition. Findings indicate that while families relied on gestures and limited signing, siblings often acted as linguistic mediator, yet the deaf children experienced constrained access to robust linguistic input. Delayed school enrollment and restricted literacy-rich environments further limited opportunities for cognitive and social growth. However, families demonstrated resilience through adaptive communicative strategies. The study underscores the urgent need for bilingual family-centered early intervention programs in Nigeria