Dr. Carol Padden

Biography

Carol Padden is a Professor and Dean of Social Sciences at the University of California, San Diego, holding the Sanford Berman Chair. Her research focuses on language and human communication, with a specific interest in sign language, particularly American Sign Language (ASL). Over the course of her career, Padden has pursued the study of sign languages beyond just those used in North America and Europe, seeking to understand the implications of visual communication forms. Collaborating with colleagues, she has explored the emergence of new sign languages in sociocultural contexts. Recent findings from her research include observations about the linguistic structures of newly developed languages, including word order conventions that arise within generations of usage. Padden's work is significant in understanding the basic principles of communication and the cultural contexts supporting language diversity. During her academic journey, she has published numerous influential books and articles contributing to the fields of linguistics and deaf studies, and she is recognized for her work advocating for the development and appreciation of sign languages in various cultures.

Research Interests