Research clusters
Most research in HCS is in the following three clusters. The cross-disciplinary nature of much of the research is reflected in the fact that a number of individuals belong to more than one cluster. In addition, many staff pursue further research interests of their own.
Below is a summary of the current research clusters in Human Communication Sciences, along with links to their individual web pages.
Clinical Linguistics
The central focus of Clinical Linguistics is the application of the principles and methods of linguistics and phonetics to communication impairment in children and adults. The Sheffield group is particularly influential in this field of linguistics.
Visit the Clinical Linguistics cluster web pages
Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language
Research in the Neuropsychology and Neuroscience cluster involves studies of speech and language processing in healthy children and adults, and also in people with acquired brain lesions and developmental disorders. A particular focus of the group is to develop biologically plausible accounts of speech and language function.
Visit the Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language cluster web pages
Speech, Language and Literacy: Development, Difficulties and Intervention
This cluster investigates how speech, language and literacy develop within and across languages. It also investigates how speech, language and literacy may be impaired and what interventions are most effective.