Intro to Phonology & Notation Systems

What is phonology?

Phonology is the study of the smallest parts of language that have no meaning.

What are the five parameters of phonology in signed languages like ASL?

Handshape, Palm Orientation, Movement, Location, and Non-manual signals/markers (NMS/NMM).

Do parameters in ASL have meaning in isolation?

No, parameters in isolation have no meaning.

What is the purpose of notation systems in signed languages?

To write down or describe signs by transcribing all the parameters.

What is the difference between labeling and glossing?

Labeling uses a notation system rooted in linguistic theory to describe a sign. Glossing uses an English word to represent a sign and is not rooted in linguistic theory.

Why can glossing be confusing or ambiguous?

Because one gloss can represent several ASL signs, and you need to know which sign the English word refers to.

Who created the first system for transcribing signs, and when?

Stokoe created the first system in the 1960s.

What are the three parts of a sign in Stokoe's Notation System?

Tabula/Tab (Location), Designator/Dez (Handshape), and Signation/Sig (Movement).

What are the symbols used in Stokoe's system called?

Primes

What is a limitation of Stokoe's notation system?

It lacks detail—handshapes can be too general, locations aren’t specific, movements are limited, and it doesn’t show sign sequences.