Lecturer Session Notes on Assessments and Sign Language Structure

Introduction

  • The lecturer introduces themselves and acknowledges Dr. Komovac as the lead for coordination and assessment periods.
  • Previous tutorials and lack of attendance are briefly mentioned.

Assessment Overview

  • 100% coursework; no final or mid-semester exams.
  • First assessment will be a receptive skills test during the mid-semester, approximately in March.
  • Receptive Skills Test Details:
    • Worth 20% of the final grade.
    • Involves watching a video of the tutor signing a story and responding to questions based on it.
    • Administered online during lecture time (Fridays).
    • For Seventh Day Adventists, portal access from 4 PM to allow for completion before sunset.

Planned Assessments and Their Weight

  • Three additional assessments after teaching period:
    1. Theory Test
    • Worth 35% of the grade.
    • Conducted online during lecture time.
    • Includes multiple choice, short answers, and true/false questions.
    • Duration: 1 hour.
    1. Expressive Skills Test
    • Conducted during tutorial time, grade worth 15%.
    • Involves signing based on prompts (can be group or individual).
    1. Capstone Test
    • Assesses theory, receptive, and expressive skills in one session during tutorials.
    • Format: Three stations, one question each.
    • Each of the three parts worth 10 points.

Assessment Administration

  • The structure and format of each assessment are explained in detail, including grading and organization of tests to avoid overcrowding and ensure manageability.
  • Mention of resources (like readings and recordings) to prepare students for assessments and to clarify prior misunderstandings.
  • Response to students about the inability to go back on the theory test, general test expectations, and question types to expect during assessments. This includes how many questions can fit in the one-hour limit.

Linguistic Levels of Sign Language

Introduction to Language Structure

  • Review of previously covered linguistic levels of organization within language:
    • Phonology
    • Morphology
    • Syntax

Terminology in Sign Language

  • Phonetics vs. Phonology: Phonetics deals with the production of sounds, while phonology focuses on discrete features of signs.
  • Terms are interchangeable ("sheretetics" for hand in relation to sign language).

Definition of a Sign

  • A sign is described as:
    • A meaningful gesture used to communicate.
    • Systematic in nature and rule governed.

Components of a Sign

  • Detailed exploration of what constitutes a sign:
    • Manual Articulators:
    • Hands are primary means of communication in sign language.
    • Non-manual Signals:
    • Involves using the entire body (e.g., facial expressions) to signify meaning.

Articulators in Sign Language

  • Types of articulators:
    • Manual Articulators:
    • Dominant (active) hand and Nondominant (passive) hand.
    • Non-manual Articulators:
    • Parts of the body other than hands (i.e., facial expressions, eyebrows, mouth).
  • Importance of maintaining consistency with dominant hand in conversations (to avoid confusion).

Characteristics of Signs

  • Description of signs through features such as:
    • Handshape
    • Location relative to the body
    • Palm Orientation affecting the meaning of signs.
    • Movement can be an integral part of the signing process and can also alter meaning.
  • Variability in signing is acknowledged based on the individual's way of signing.

Non-manual Signals

  • Essential signals that accompany signs can change meaning or convey grammatical data (e.g., eyebrow movements for questions or statements).
  • Efficacy of non-manual signals in changing the intent and content of signed messages discussed with examples.

Handshapes and Basic Components

Basic Handshapes

  • Overview of basic handshapes used in sign language:
    • A, C, O, S, 5, one hand (handshape frequency).
  • Understanding sign formation and complexity in relation to basic handshapes discussed.

Complex Handshapes

  • Not all signs only utilize basic handshapes; more complex configurations exist.
  • Importance of basic handshapes for sign language acquisition and production noted.

Location and Orientation in Signing

  • Location: Where a sign is made relative to the body.
  • Orientation: Direction of the palm during signing processes defined and discussed, alongside specific examples drawn from class signs.

Movement in Signs

  • Movement defined in various ways, with acknowledgement of how different schools interpret such movements.
  • Descriptions of linear, arc, and circular movements as components of signs.
  • Individual signing styles may influence execution; movement can be a key determinant of meaning.

Conclusion of Lecture

  • Review of the architectural structure of signs, articulation, and assessment expectations.
  • Addressing final questions before the session concludes, ensuring a clarifying closure for students.