Class notes zoom 2:ASL 220
Class Overview
Welcome back to class.
Discussion on phonology and morphology.
First section of the semester focusses on fundamental aspects of linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax.
Expect some difficulty as these concepts are foundational but complex.
Study Guide Information
Study guide for the first test is due at midnight tonight.
Includes questions on the information that will be covered in class.
Completion of the study guide will inform readiness for the test, but it is not graded for completeness.
Submitting it is an indication of engagement with the material.
If revisions after class are necessary, those are encouraged.
Flexibility noted about submission timing.
Test Information
The first test is available until midnight, Sunday, October 19.
Test consists of:
16 multiple-choice questions (worth 3 points each).
8 true/false questions (worth 2 points each).
3 short answer questions on key concepts discussed in class.
2 multiple answer questions asking for characteristics unique to language and shared with communication systems.
3 matching questions about writing systems.
Emphasis on preparing from study guides and class notes, with previous quizzes serving as a potential basis for test questions.
Reminder of the use of LockDown Browser for the test, along with instructions on completion.
Syntax Overview
Syntax is often associated with grammar; however, it comprises broader rules about sentence structure.
Expect some overlap with prior knowledge as much of this is foundational.
Detailed introduction to ASL grammar.
Grammar Introduction
Key concepts:
Grammar encompasses rules of sentence formation.
Lexical categories: parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs).
Lexical Categories
Major lexical categories:
Nouns:
Represent persons, places, things, or ideas.
Pluralization in English typically involves adding an "s" morpheme.
Example: "blue house" (adjective precedes noun).
Adjectives:
Modify nouns and follow specific English patterns (e.g., order).
Verbs:
Action verbs and linking verbs are defined; the verb is crucial in every sentence.
Adverbs:
Modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, often conveying how an action is performed.
Sentence Structure
Overview on types of sentences:
Declarative, interrogative, imperative.
Recognizing the importance of sentence order (typically subject-verb-object in English).
Clause definition: A subject and a verb constitute a complete thought.
Independent clauses (complete sentences) vs. dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts).
Minor Lexical Categories
Determiners, conjunctions, prepositions, and pronouns.
Determiners: Help specify nouns.
Prepositions: Indicate relations between entities in terms of location and time.
Conjunctions: Link phrases or clauses (e.g., "and," "but").
Pronouns: Replace nouns; include changes based on their grammatical function.
ASL vs. English Discussion
Comparison of ASL grammar with English grammar.
ASL features unique tools for conveying ideas (like facial expressions, classifiers).
Important to recognize the nuances that differentiate the two languages.
Emphasis on how communication in different forms of sign language can vary across cultures.
Encouragement for Practice
Emphasize the necessity of practicing ASL frequently.
Acknowledge complexity in learning and the importance of feedback from peers and teachers.
Class Overview
Welcome back to class.
Discussion on phonology and morphology.
First section of the semester focusses on fundamental aspects of linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax.
Expect some difficulty as these concepts are foundational but complex.
Study Guide Information
Study guide for the first test is due at midnight tonight.
Includes questions on the information that will be covered in class.
Completion of the study guide will inform readiness for the test, but it is not graded for completeness.
Submitting it is an indication of engagement with the material.
If revisions after class are necessary, those are encouraged.
Flexibility noted about submission timing.
Test Information
The first test is available until midnight, Sunday, October 19.
Test consists of: - 16 multiple-choice questions (worth 3 points each).
8 true/false questions (worth 2 points each).
3 short answer questions on key concepts discussed in class.
2 multiple answer questions asking for characteristics unique to language and shared with communication systems.
3 matching questions about writing systems.
Emphasis on preparing from study guides and class notes, with previous quizzes serving as a potential basis for test questions.
Reminder of the use of LockDown Browser for the test, along with instructions on completion.
Syntax Overview
Syntax is often associated with grammar; however, it comprises broader rules about sentence structure.
Expect some overlap with prior knowledge as much of this is foundational.
Detailed introduction to ASL grammar.
Grammar Introduction
Key concepts: - Grammar encompasses rules of sentence formation.
Lexical categories: parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs).
Lexical Categories
Major lexical categories:
Nouns:
Nouns are naming words. They represent people, places, things, or ideas.
Think of them as the 'who' or 'what' in a sentence.
Can be singular or plural (e.g., "cat" vs. "cats").
Examples: doctor, city, book, happiness.
Adjectives:
Adjectives are describing words. They modify, or tell us more about, nouns and pronouns.
They answer questions like 'which one?', 'what kind?', or 'how many?'
In English, adjectives usually come before the noun they describe (e.g., "blue house," "tall tree").
Examples: happy, tall, blue, three.
Verbs:
Verbs are action words or linking words. They show what the subject is doing or what state it is in.
Every complete sentence must have a verb.
Action verbs (e.g., run, eat, think) describe an action.
Linking verbs (e.g., is, seems, becomes) connect the subject to a description or an equivalent noun.
Examples: run, is, thinks, seems.
Adverbs:
Modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, often conveying how an action is performed.
Sentence Structure
Overview on types of sentences: - Declarative, interrogative, imperative.
Recognizing the importance of sentence order (typically subject-verb-object in English).
Clause definition: A subject and a verb constitute a complete thought. - Independent clauses (complete sentences) vs. dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts).
Minor Lexical Categories
Determiners, conjunctions, prepositions, and pronouns. - Determiners: Help specify nouns.
Prepositions: Indicate relations between entities in terms of location and time.
Conjunctions: Link phrases or clauses (e.g., "and," "but").
Pronouns: Replace nouns; include changes based on their grammatical function.
ASL vs. English Discussion
Comparison of ASL grammar with English grammar. - ASL features unique tools for conveying ideas (like facial expressions, classifiers).
Important to recognize the nuances that differentiate the two languages.
Emphasis on how communication in different forms of sign language can vary across cultures.
Encouragement for Practice
Emphasize the necessity of practicing ASL frequently.
Acknowledge complexity in learning and the importance of feedback from peers and teachers.