Effects of the Pro-Tactile Movement on Tactile American Sign Language

Flashcards covering the key concepts and findings regarding Tactile American Sign Language and its emergence influenced by the pro-tactile movement.

What is the central claim regarding Tactile American Sign Language (TASL)?

TASL is a language, not just a relay for Visual American Sign Language (VASL).

What social movement has influenced the changes in the sublexical structure of TASL?

The 'pro-tactile' movement has influenced these changes.

How are the changes in TASL described in relation to the structure of VASL?

These changes constitute a departure from the structure of VASL and the emergence of a new, tactile language.

What does the term 'sublexical' refer to in the context of signed languages?

Sublexical refers to the meaningless elements that combine in rule-governed ways to form lexical signs.

What does the concept of 'habitus' imply in the context of DeafBlind people?

Habitus refers to the socially and historically specific patterns of perception, thought, and actions shaped by socialization.

What impact did the pro-tactile workshops have on DeafBlind communication?

The workshops established new conventions for direct and reciprocal tactile communication among DeafBlind participants.

What are some changes observed in the production of signs in TASL compared to VASL?

TASL shows a preference for duplication of signs for each addressee in three-person configurations, leading to new strategies for sign production.

What happens to the complexity of signs in TASL as a result of communication pressures?

The formational complexity of lexical signs decreases while complexity in classifier constructions increases.

What does 'integration' refer to in the language emergence of TASL?

Integration refers to the process where both form and meaning are converted, leading to the emergence of new linguistic forms in TASL.

How is the role of the non-dominant hand changing in TASL?

In TASL, the non-dominant hand is increasingly recruited for tactile backchanneling cues and maintaining co-presence.

What is the significance of the 'indexical ground' in communication?

The indexical ground refers to the contextual factors through which communicative activity becomes legible and meaningful.

What does the term 'embedding' signify in the study of language emergence?

Embedding signifies the process where schematic form-meaning correspondences undergo reshaping and transformation due to social norms.

What is the primary aim of the 'pro-tactile' movement in the DeafBlind community?

To foster culturally and linguistically appropriate communication practices for DeafBlind individuals.

What is a fundamental difference in modality between Tactile American Sign Language (TASL) and Visual American Sign Language (VASL)?

TASL relies on touch for perception, while VASL relies on sight.

What kind of conventions were established in pro-tactile workshops for direct communication?

Conventions for maintaining constant physical contact and providing tactile feedback during conversations.

Why does TASL show a preference for duplicating signs for each addressee in three-person configurations?

To ensure each DeafBlind participant receives the full linguistic input directly and simultaneously.

What factor contributes to the decrease in formational complexity of lexical signs in TASL?

The need for rapid and efficient tactile perception, often simplifying complex visual signs for touch.

What drives the increase in complexity of classifier constructions in TASL?

The need to convey nuanced spatial and referential information through specific handshapes and movements interpreted tactually.

What are 'tactile backchanneling cues' in TASL?

Non-lexical touch-based signals (e.g., light taps, pressure changes) used by the non-dominant hand to indicate understanding, agreement, or turn-taking.

How does the non-dominant hand contribute to 'maintaining co-presence' in TASL?

By sustaining physical contact, it assures both interlocutors of shared physical space and mutual engagement throughout the conversation.

How does TASL establish its unique 'indexical ground'?

Through the shared tactile interaction space, mutual physical contact, and specific conventions for turn-taking and attention among DeafBlind individuals.

How does 'embedding' specifically manifest in the emergence of new forms in TASL?

Social norms and interactional practices within the DeafBlind community lead to the reshaping of existing signs and the development of new, tactile-specific forms.