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Sign Language Science

Factors Contributing to Natural Learning

Ted Supalla

In this course, we will look at how multiple, varying factors can account for language-learning patterns. Age, for example, is a key factor that predicts fluency. Another topic of particular importance to signed languages is the mind. Knowing that spoken language primarily activates the left hemisphere, in this course we will explore how signed languages also primarily activate the left hemisphere.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish between continuous variation and discrete componentiality in sign innovation
  • Define the term "linguistic typology"
  • Describe the potential reasons for typological differences within asl morphology according to observational and neuro-linguistic research on the morphological continuum.
  • Stages and milestones in natural sign language acquisition
  • Compare sign language pedagogies for l1 and l2 learning
  • Identify the characteristic features of grammar that occur in both home sign and mature community sign languages

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Identifies characteristic features of grammar that occur in home sign and mature community sign languages
Explores how sign language primarily activates the left hemisphere of the brain
Provides a comprehensive study of sign language acquisition, including its stages and milestones
Taught by Ted Supalla
Examines the potential reasons for typological differences within ASL morphology
Discusses continuous variation and discrete componentiality in sign innovation

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Reviews summary

Academic insights into sign language learning

According to students, this course offers a deep and academic exploration of how various factors influence sign language acquisition. Learners particularly appreciate the rigorous scientific approach and the instructor's profound expertise in linguistics and neuro-linguistics. While many found the content intellectually stimulating and well-researched, some note that it is heavily theoretical, emphasizing the science behind sign language rather than practical application. This makes it ideal for those with a background in linguistics or cognitive science, though beginners might find the material challenging and dense.
Course is theoretical, not for practical language learning.
"If your goal is to learn conversational sign language, be aware this course is a deep dive into the 'why' and 'how' intellectually."
"I initially hoped for more practical application, but its heavily theoretical nature is excellent for academics and researchers."
"It's crucial to understand: this is a linguistics course on sign language, not a practical language acquisition tutorial."
The instructor is highly knowledgeable and passionate.
"The professor's expertise truly shines through every lecture, making even the most complex topics surprisingly accessible."
"It's clear that the instructor is a leading expert in the field; I gained so much from their unique perspectives."
"I was consistently impressed by the depth of knowledge and passion the instructor brought to the subject matter."
Provides a rigorous, scientific exploration of sign language.
"The course delivers a truly academic exploration of sign language acquisition, delving far beyond typical introductory lessons."
"As a linguistics student, I found the neuro-linguistic insights presented to be fascinating and incredibly well-explained."
"It's a dense but highly rewarding experience for anyone seriously seeking a scientific understanding of signed languages."
Content can be dense, requires prior academic background.
"This course definitely requires a solid foundation in linguistic concepts; I really struggled to keep up without it."
"The material can be quite dense at times, which made it challenging for me as someone new to this specific field."
"I found myself needing to do a lot of external reading to grasp some of the terminology and complex concepts fully."

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 Learning with these activities:
Complete the 'ASL Fingerspelling Mastery' online course
Improves fingerspelling skills, which are essential for effective sign language communication.
Browse courses on Fingerspelling
Show steps
  • Enroll in the 'ASL Fingerspelling Mastery' online course.
  • Complete the interactive exercises and quizzes.
  • Practice fingerspelling with a friend or family member.
Review On the Origins of Language: Tracing the Evolution of the Mother Tongue
Introduces fundamental concepts in language origins and evolution, setting the stage for the course's exploration of sign language.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters of the book.
  • Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in each chapter.
  • Identify the key concepts and theories discussed in the book.
Read 'Seeing Voices: The History of Deaf Culture in America'
Provides historical and cultural context for understanding the Deaf community and sign language.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters of the book.
  • Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in each chapter.
  • Identify the key concepts and theories discussed in the book.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Volunteer at a local Deaf center or organization
Provides hands-on experience in the Deaf community, fostering empathy and understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a local Deaf center or organization.
  • Volunteer on a regular basis.
  • Assist with various tasks, such as interpreting, teaching sign language classes, or providing support to Deaf individuals.
Create a video explaining a specific sign language concept
Enhances understanding and retention of course material by requiring students to explain and demonstrate sign language concepts in their own words.
Show steps
  • Choose a sign language concept to explain.
  • Write a script for your video.
  • Record yourself explaining the concept.
  • Edit your video and add captions.
  • Share your video online.

Career center

Learners who complete Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Interpreter for the Deaf
Interpreters for the Deaf provide communication services between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear. They interpret spoken language into sign language and vice versa. This course may be useful for Interpreters for the Deaf who want to learn more about the factors that contribute to natural sign language learning. Additionally, this course can help Interpreters for the Deaf develop their skills in interpreting sign language and spoken language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter for the Deaf
Teacher of the Deaf
Teachers of the Deaf provide education to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. They teach a variety of subjects, including language, math, and science. This course may be useful for Teachers of the Deaf who want to learn more about the factors that contribute to natural sign language learning. Additionally, this course can help Teachers of the Deaf develop their skills in teaching sign language and developing curriculum for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of the Deaf
Professor of Linguistics
Professors of Linguistics teach and conduct research on language and its structure. They work at colleges and universities. This course may be useful for Professors of Linguistics who want to learn more about sign language and its structure. Additionally, this course can help Professors of Linguistics develop their skills in teaching and conducting research on sign language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Linguistics
Forensic Linguist
Forensic Linguists apply linguistic principles to legal issues. They work with law enforcement, attorneys, and judges to analyze written and spoken language evidence. This course may be useful for Forensic Linguists who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used in legal settings. Additionally, this course can help Forensic Linguists develop their skills in analyzing sign language evidence.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Linguist
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They work for a variety of companies, including software companies, hardware companies, and engineering firms. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create technical documentation. Additionally, this course can help Technical Writers develop their skills in writing clear and concise documentation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
User Experience (UX) Designer
UX Designers design the user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work for a variety of companies, including software companies, hardware companies, and marketing agencies. This course may be useful for UX Designers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create accessible and inclusive digital products. Additionally, this course can help UX Designers develop their skills in designing user interfaces and user experiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials and programs. They work for a variety of organizations, including schools, colleges, universities, and corporations. This course may be useful for Instructional Designers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create accessible and inclusive educational materials. Additionally, this course can help Instructional Designers develop their skills in designing and developing educational materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders, including speech, language, and voice disorders. They work with people of all ages, from infants to adults. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to communicate with people who have hearing impairments. Additionally, this course can help Speech-Language Pathologists develop their skills in assessing and treating communication disorders in people who use sign language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Audiologist
Audiologists assess and treat hearing and balance disorders. They work with people of all ages, from infants to adults. This course may be useful for Audiologists who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to communicate with people who have hearing impairments. Additionally, this course can help Audiologists develop their skills in assessing and treating hearing and balance disorders in people who use sign language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist
Linguist
Linguists study language and its structure. They work in a variety of fields, including academia, government, and business. This course may be useful for Linguists who want to learn more about sign language and its structure. Additionally, this course can help Linguists develop their skills in conducting research on sign language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist
Lexicographer
Lexicographers compile and edit dictionaries. They work for publishing companies, government agencies, and other organizations. This course may be useful for Lexicographers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create dictionaries. Additionally, this course can help Lexicographers develop their skills in compiling and editing dictionaries.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lexicographer
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide advice and guidance to individuals and organizations on educational matters. They work for a variety of clients, including schools, colleges, universities, and businesses. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, this course can help Educational Consultants develop their skills in providing advice and guidance on educational matters.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers manage the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They work for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including social service agencies, environmental organizations, and arts organizations. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create inclusive and accessible nonprofit organizations. Additionally, this course can help Nonprofit Managers develop their skills in managing the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
School Administrator
School Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of schools. They work for a variety of schools, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools. This course may be useful for School Administrators who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create inclusive school environments. Additionally, this course can help School Administrators develop their skills in managing the day-to-day operations of schools.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Administrator
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and curricula. They work for a variety of organizations, including schools, colleges, universities, and corporations. This course may be useful for Curriculum Developers who want to learn more about sign language and how it can be used to create accessible and inclusive educational programs. Additionally, this course can help Curriculum Developers develop their skills in designing and developing educational programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Reading list

We've selected five 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 Learning.
Cover image
Inside Deaf Culture
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf culture, covering topics such as the history of Deaf culture, the different aspects of Deaf culture, and the different ways in which Deaf culture is expressed.
Inside Deaf Culture
Paperback
$$
Inside Deaf Culture
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deaf Culture
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf culture, covering topics such as the history of Deaf culture, the different aspects of Deaf culture, and the different ways in which Deaf culture is expressed.
Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
What's Your Sign for Pizza?
Save
This textbook serves as a comprehensive guide to American Sign Language. It provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of the language, making it a valuable resource for learners at various levels.
What's Your Sign for Pizza?: An Introduction to...
Paperback
$$
What's Your Sign for Pizza?: An Introduction to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Sign Language Phonology
Save
This specialized book explores the phonological structure of sign languages, providing an in-depth analysis of the fundamental units and patterns of signed languages.
Sign Language Phonology (Key Topics in Phonology)
Paperback
$$
Sign Language Phonology (Key Topics in Phonology)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
American Sign Language Syntax
Save
This introductory textbook offers a clear and concise overview of sign language syntax, providing a solid foundation for understanding the grammatical structure of signed languages.
American Sign Language Syntax (Approaches to...
Hardcover
$$$$

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Course image
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:
  1. Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Nature Structure
  2. Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Learning (viewing)
  3. Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Identifies characteristic features of grammar that occur in home sign and mature community sign languages
Explores how sign language primarily activates the left hemisphere of the brain
Provides a comprehensive study of sign language acquisition, including its stages and milestones
Taught by Ted Supalla
Examines the potential reasons for typological differences within ASL morphology
Discusses continuous variation and discrete componentiality in sign innovation
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