The GestureLiteracy Knowledge Studio

The Gesture Literacy Knowledge Studio is dedicated to exploring and promoting the importance of gestures in human communication. Our focus is on the universal presence of gestures across cultures and throughout history, with a particular emphasis on their role in the transition to sign languages. Our goal is to integrate gestures more prominently into society, recognizing their value as a means of communication that transcends language barriers.

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The StudioFour Strands

The studio comprises four strands: research, education, development, and creativity. Each strand aims to identify the fundamental elements of gestures, shift public perception regarding their value and practicality, and provide learning opportunities to enhance gestural communication's effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to promote the use of gestures as a powerful means of communication.

person lecturing at the gesture literacy knowledge studio

a group of people sitting in chairs in a room with a whiteboard

Research

Understanding human use of gestures across cultures and modes of communication.
Building a corpus of gestures drawn from different cultures worldwide.
Developing a gesture assessment tool to unlock the user’s ability to understand and use the gestures.

Education

Make visual communication skills more attainable for hearing people who come in contact with Deaf people and for families with Deaf children.
Broach the world of gestures to the world at large by changing public perception of the values and merits of using gestures.
Make gestures a more viable communication option.
Develop different curricular approaches to gesture acquisition and reacquisition.

Development

Develop novel pedagogical and technological approaches for promoting gesture-based communication and innovative technologies and resources to advance Gesture Studies.
Develop Interactive platforms to maximize gesture and sign language exposure and experiences.

Creativity

Increase the use of gestures in arts, literature, and theater.
Put Gallaudet University on the map as a center on creative gesture production.