We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Sign Language Science
Factors Contributing to Natural Change
Ted Supalla
Ted Supalla
In this course, we will explore how language changes over time. We know from documentation that early ASL does not look the same as it does today. The earliest indications suggest that it originated as gesture, but that’s not what people learn today. That’s because, as it was passed down, it evolved and changed. In this course, we will look at the historical data and discuss how the language changed.
Read more
In this course, we will explore how language changes over time. We know from documentation that early ASL does not look the same as it does today. The earliest indications suggest that it originated as gesture, but that’s not what people learn today. That’s because, as it was passed down, it evolved and changed. In this course, we will look at the historical data and discuss how the language changed.
Read more
In this course, we will explore how language changes over time. We know from documentation that early ASL does not look the same as it does today. The earliest indications suggest that it originated as gesture, but that’s not what people learn today. That’s because, as it was passed down, it evolved and changed. In this course, we will look at the historical data and discuss how the language changed.
What you'll learn
- Describe how ASL looked like in its inception
- Describe influences on the grammar of ASL by consistent contact with the English language
- Describe syntax and morphology in early ASL
- Describe what scholars of 19th century ASL know about ASL grammar
- Compare trends of change along the timeline of ASL evolution
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/91okqj/sign
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Describe how asl looked like in its inception
- Describe influences on the grammar of asl by consistent contact with the english language
- Describe syntax and morphology in early asl
- Describe what scholars of 19th century asl know about asl grammar
- Compare trends of change along the timeline of asl evolution
- Describe how asl looked like in its inception
- Describe influences on the grammar of asl by consistent contact with the english language
- Describe syntax and morphology in early asl
- Describe what scholars of 19th century asl know about asl grammar
- Compare trends of change along the timeline of asl evolution
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Researches the evolution of American Sign Language, which is relevant to students who wish to trace the changes of a particular language over time
Analyzes the impact that direct contact with the English language would have on the evolution of ASL
Emphasizes the work conducted by scholars in the 19th century to comprehend the grammar of ASL
Highlights important shifts that have occured throughout ASL's progression
Provides an in-depth understanding of American Sign Language, which is essential for students who want a deep understanding of sign language
Save this course
Save Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change with these
activities:
Review ASL Basics
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basic principles of ASL, including the alphabet, numbers, and simple vocabulary, to better prepare for the course.
Show steps
-
Review the ASL alphabet and practice signing your name
-
Practice signing numbers from 0 to 100
-
Review common ASL vocabulary for greetings, introductions, and basic interactions
Create a Personal ASL Study Kit
Show steps
Stay organized and enhance your learning experience by compiling a personal study kit that includes all your essential ASL materials, such as notes, vocabulary lists, and flashcards.
Show steps
-
Gather your notes, handouts, and any other materials from the course
-
Organize these materials into a dedicated folder or binder
-
Create flashcards for new vocabulary or phrases you want to remember
ASL Vocabulary Practice
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of ASL vocabulary by practicing signing and identifying common words and phrases.
Show steps
-
Review a list of common ASL signs
-
Practice signing and recognizing these signs in context
-
Use flashcards or an online quiz to test your vocabulary
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Review historical texts of ASL
Show steps
Build context by referencing the history of ASL as you work your way through this course.
Show steps
-
Identify a period of ASL history that interests you.
-
Find original ASL texts created during this time period.
-
Review the resources. Note similarities and differences in signs, grammar, and syntax with modern ASL.
-
Reflect on how ASL has evolved over time.
ASL Meet-Up
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the ASL community by attending a local ASL meet-up or event where you can interact with other ASL users and practice your skills.
Show steps
-
Find an ASL meet-up or event in your area
-
Attend the event and introduce yourself to other participants
-
Engage in conversations using ASL
Review ASL Basics
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basic principles of ASL, including the alphabet, numbers, and simple vocabulary, to better prepare for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the ASL alphabet and practice signing your name
- Practice signing numbers from 0 to 100
- Review common ASL vocabulary for greetings, introductions, and basic interactions
Create a Personal ASL Study Kit
Show steps
Stay organized and enhance your learning experience by compiling a personal study kit that includes all your essential ASL materials, such as notes, vocabulary lists, and flashcards.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather your notes, handouts, and any other materials from the course
- Organize these materials into a dedicated folder or binder
- Create flashcards for new vocabulary or phrases you want to remember
ASL Vocabulary Practice
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of ASL vocabulary by practicing signing and identifying common words and phrases.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review a list of common ASL signs
- Practice signing and recognizing these signs in context
- Use flashcards or an online quiz to test your vocabulary
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Review historical texts of ASL
Show steps
Build context by referencing the history of ASL as you work your way through this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a period of ASL history that interests you.
- Find original ASL texts created during this time period.
- Review the resources. Note similarities and differences in signs, grammar, and syntax with modern ASL.
- Reflect on how ASL has evolved over time.
ASL Meet-Up
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the ASL community by attending a local ASL meet-up or event where you can interact with other ASL users and practice your skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an ASL meet-up or event in your area
- Attend the event and introduce yourself to other participants
- Engage in conversations using ASL
Career center
Learners who complete Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Linguist
Linguist
Linguists study the structure and evolution of language. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will refine your knowledge of how language itself develops and changes. This will make it easier to understand the work of other linguists, make better use of their research, and contribute to the body of research yourself.
Historian
Historian
Historians need to understand how language develops in society over time. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will equip you to track linguistic changes and understand their historical significance.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists need to be able to understand the development of language. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to gain a better grasp of the mechanics of language change including syntax and morphology. This will help you understand normal patterns of speech and language development and to identify and treat speech and language disorders.
Educator
Educator
Educators can improve their pedagogical practices by understanding how language is used and how it changes over time. This course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will equip you with knowledge about the evolution of sign language, including from its origins in gesture through its development into its current form. This course will also help you to develop lesson plans that meet the needs of students with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum curators need to be able to understand the history and evolution of human culture and artifacts. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to understand the evolution of how sign is used as a means of cultural expression.
Writer
Writer
Writers need to be able to understand how language works. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will give you a better foundation to build off of. This course will strengthen your understanding of the structure and evolution of language, which will make you a more effective writer.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental psychologists need to know how language alters as people's mental and physical capabilities change. This course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will give you an excellent foundation for understanding how language is used and how it changes, which will help you to be a more effective researcher in this field.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists need to understand how language and culture influence each other. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will equip you with a foundation in how language itself develops and changes, as well as how these changes influence the evolution of societies. These insights will help you to better understand the role of language and culture in the development of social norms and institutions.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study how consumers' needs and wants change over time. By understanding how language itself develops and changes, this course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will equip you to understand how these changes influence the evolution of markets and marketing strategies.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors must be able to understand the medical language that is currently in use. This course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will introduce you to the ongoing changes in how sign language is used. This will be helpful as you learn to communicate with patients and their families.
College Professor
College Professor
College professors need to be able to communicate effectively with students and colleagues. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to gain a better grasp of the mechanics of language as it changes over time. This may give you a better understanding of how language influences culture and vice versa.
Professor
Professor
Professors need to be able to communicate effectively with students and colleagues. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of language as it changes over time. This may give you a better understanding of how language influences culture and vice versa.
Attorney
Attorney
Attorneys need to be able to communicate across languages. They also need to be able to engage in research into litigation. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of language change, which will help you become a more effective attorney.
Logistician
Logistician
Logisticians need to be able to think critically and solve problems. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will equip you with tools for breaking down large problems into smaller ones and seeing how small changes can lead to large outcomes. This can be helpful for the coordination of people and resources.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists are needed to study cultures and contribute to solving social problems. A course in Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change will allow you to gain a better grasp of the mechanics of language as it changes over time. This may give you a better understanding of how culture also changes.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/91okqj/sign
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change.
Comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf studies, with a particular focus on language. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Deaf education, the development of sign languages, and the cognitive and linguistic abilities of Deaf people.
Comprehensive guide to American Sign Language (ASL). It covers the basics of ASL grammar and vocabulary, as well as the history and culture of the Deaf community.
Save
Comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf studies. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Deaf education, the development of sign languages, and the cognitive and linguistic abilities of Deaf people.
Save
Comprehensive overview of the field of sign language studies. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of sign language research, the development of sign languages, and the cognitive and linguistic abilities of Deaf people.
Comprehensive overview of the language and cognitive development of Deaf children. It covers a wide range of topics, including the development of sign language, the acquisition of English, and the cognitive and linguistic abilities of Deaf children.
Save
Comprehensive overview of the field of linguistic typology. It covers a wide range of topics, including the classification of languages, the structure of languages, and the relationship between languages and cultures.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/91okqj/sign
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change.
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Nature Structure
OpenCourser.com/course/qqtqpf/sign
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Nature...
Most relevant
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Learning
OpenCourser.com/course/ibcb0w/sign
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural...
Most relevant
Super-Earths and Life
OpenCourser.com/course/6e3pd8/super
Super-Earths and Life
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization
OpenCourser.com/course/mg05od/introduction
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and...
ASL | First 500+ Basic Signs | American Sign Language
OpenCourser.com/course/fwl4iv/asl
ASL | First 500+ Basic Signs | American Sign Language
American Sign Language Level 1
OpenCourser.com/course/87u7tt/american
American Sign Language Level 1
In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy
OpenCourser.com/course/z2vguk/in
In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy
History of Game Design: Prehistory to the late 1980s
OpenCourser.com/course/bwhyp6/history
History of Game Design: Prehistory to the late 1980s
Semantics of First-Order Logic
OpenCourser.com/course/8oct6p/semantics
Semantics of First-Order Logic
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Georgetown University
Instructor
Ted Supalla
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
American Sign Language Science. It's comprised of three courses:
- Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Nature Structure
- Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Learning
- Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change (viewing)
Good to know
Researches the evolution of American Sign Language, which is relevant to students who wish to trace the changes of a particular language over time
Analyzes the impact that direct contact with the English language would have on the evolution of ASL
Emphasizes the work conducted by scholars in the 19th century to comprehend the grammar of ASL
Highlights important shifts that have occured throughout ASL's progression
Provides an in-depth understanding of American Sign Language, which is essential for students who want a deep understanding of sign language
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser