DEAF CLASS 2-21-2025

Phonology

• 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

• 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 and ASL Structure

• 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)

ASL Discourse

• 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 in ASL

• 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

• 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.

Factors Influencing Dialects

• 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 and Its Implications

• 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 and Other Systems

• 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.

Conclusion

• 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.