Phonology involves the study of sounds in a language, both in English and ASL.
In English, this includes letters and phonetic breakdowns.
In ASL, phonology comprises various parameters such as:
Handshape
Movement
Location (where signs are made)
Facial expressions
Palm orientation
Morphology focuses on the structure and meaning of words.
For example, the English word "cat" signifies a single cat (spelling: c-a-t).
Adding an "s" (cats) indicates plurality.
In ASL:
Plurality is demonstrated by using multiple signs, not prefixes or suffixes.
For example, the sign for "many" must include appropriate facial expressions for emphasis.
Syntax examines sentence structure and overall meaning within ASL.
In English, the syntax is more linear, focusing on individual words.
ASL emphasizes the complete concept and relationships between signs in a sentence.
Example structure in ASL includes:
Time frame is often placed first (e.g., "yesterday" for time).
Signs utilize raised eyebrows for emphasis when discussing the topic.
Sentence structures can follow:
OSV (Object, Subject, Verb)
SOV (Subject, Object, Verb)
SV (Subject, Verb)
Discourse refers to conversation dynamics among two people.
Includes cultural elements such as:
Turn-taking
Eye gaze
Interruptions
Effective communication is indicated through backchanneling cues (nodding, eye contact).
The speed of signing reflects the emotional content of a message.
Faster signs often express excitement, while slower signs may indicate calmness or sadness.
Emotions are also conveyed through facial expressions, posture, and sign size.
Fingerspelling represents letters of the alphabet using specific handshapes.
Used primarily for:
Proper nouns (names)
Terms without specific signs (titles, technical terms)
Not all words have corresponding signs, and fingerspelling is a necessary skill in ASL.
Children learning to fingerspell may initially struggle with coordination and clarity.
Modality refers to the manner in which language is conveyed:
Includes written, spoken, signed, and tactile forms of communication.
Learning ASL involves adapting to using visual language rather than auditory modalities.
Factors affecting language acquisition include:
Age and learning style
Familiarity with visual languages versus spoken languages.
Various social factors shape dialect differences in ASL, such as:
Generational language shifts
Technological advancements (e.g., new signs for devices)
Cultural influences like communication styles, ethnicity, and region.
An example from personal experience highlights the difference in signing styles between different communities (e.g. Black ASL vs ASL).
Contact sign merges elements of ASL and English language structures.
Does not strictly adhere to ASL grammar but incorporates English syntax and phrasing.
Communicative strategies may include:
Total Communication (combining various modes)
Manually Coded English (focusing on English structure)
Simultaneous Communication (speaking and signing simultaneously).
Cued Speech uses visual cues for phonetic sounds and complements spoken language.
Distinguishing ASL from these communication systems is vital:
ASL is a fully developed language with its own syntax and grammar.
Other systems, like PSE and SEE, are methods for conveying English concepts rather than true languages.
Understanding the nuanced aspects of ASL and its integration with English is essential for effective communication in both settings.
Distinct differences between languages and communication systems highlight the uniqueness of ASL as a legitimate language.