Olga Capirci

Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Olga Capirci is a leading researcher in developmental psycholinguistics and multimodal communication, with a particular focus on sign language, gesture, and early language acquisition in both typical and atypical populations. Her groundbreaking work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how gesture and speech interact in language development, especially in deaf children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Capirci is perhaps best known for her pioneering studies on the role of iconic gestures in language learning and for championing inclusive, participatory design in assistive technologies—exemplified by her highly cited 2022 paper, "Nothing About Us Without Us: a participatory design for an Inclusive Signing Tiago Robot," which has already garnered 7 citations for its ethical and methodological contributions. Her research has shaped inclusive education practices and informed the development of robotic systems that respect user agency. With hundreds of citations across her career, Capirci’s work continues to influence fields from cognitive science to human-robot interaction, making her a vital voice in ensuring that technology and research serve the real needs of diverse communities.