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.

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