ASL

Sociolinguistics

The study of how language varies and changes in social contexts, examining the relationship between language and society.

Regional Variations in ASL

Different signs for the same concept across regions, influenced by local Deaf schools, communities, and social interactions.

Black ASL (BASL)

A distinct dialect of American Sign Language that developed due to historical segregation in Deaf schools.

Lexical Meaning

The specific meaning of a sign, as found in a dictionary.

Iconicity

The concept where some signs visually represent their meaning, such as 'HOUSE'.

Metaphorical Meaning

Signs that take on metaphorical meanings, such as 'FALL-IN-LOVE' representing emotional attachment.

Pragmatics

The study of how context influences meaning and communication in ASL.

Context-Dependent Meaning

The idea that the meaning of a sign can change based on social or conversational context.

Facial Expressions & Non-Manual Markers

Visual cues in ASL that convey grammatical and emotional context, altering the meaning of signs.

ASL Expansion Techniques

Techniques used to clarify meaning in ASL, including contrasting, faceting, and using 3D space.

ASL (American Sign Language)

A fully developed visual language with its own grammar and syntax, distinct from English.

PSE (Pidgin Signed English)

A blend of ASL and English structure, using ASL vocabulary but following more English word order.

SEE (Signing Exact English)

Uses English grammar and word order, primarily in educational settings to support literacy.

Conversational Implicature

A form of meaning that is understood indirectly rather than explicitly stated, often conveyed through visual cues like raised eyebrows.

Turn-Taking & Backchanneling

Visual signals used in ASL, like head nods and eye gaze, to manage the flow of conversation.

Code-switching

The practice of changing between different styles or forms of signing depending on the social setting.