What aspect of language is often difficult for children with hearing impairments in terms of semantics?

Children with hearing impairments often face significant challenges in learning and understanding semantics, particularly when it comes to figurative language and words that carry multiple meanings. This difficulty arises because figurative language, such as idioms, metaphors, and similes, relies heavily on context and cultural nuances that may not be readily accessible to children with limited auditory experiences.

Moreover, many words in the English language can have several meanings depending on how they are used in different contexts. Hearing-impaired children may struggle to grasp these subtleties, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. Their exposure to such language forms can be limited, ultimately impacting their ability to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of language, which is essential for effective communication and literacy skills.

By focusing on this aspect of semantics, it highlights a critical area where interventions and educational strategies can be tailored to support children with hearing impairments, helping them to navigate and appreciate the complexities of language that many of their peers may grasp more easily.