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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.

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

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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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.
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
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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.
Provides a superb grounding in the development of language and cognition in Deaf children, providing an excellent foundation for the study of sign language learning and how factors contribute to the process.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf studies, with a particular focus on language. It covers topics such as the history of Deaf education, the development of sign languages, and the cognitive and linguistic abilities of deaf individuals.
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.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Deaf education, covering topics such as the history of Deaf education, the different approaches to Deaf education, and the different challenges and opportunities faced by Deaf students.
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.
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.
Delves into the fascinating topic of variation in sign languages, addressing the different factors that can influence the development and use of sign languages across communities.
This specialized book explores the phonological structure of sign languages, providing an in-depth analysis of the fundamental units and patterns of signed languages.
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the linguistic and cognitive aspects of deafness, covering topics such as language acquisition, bilingualism, and communication strategies.
Explores the complex relationship between deaf culture, language, and identity, offering a unique perspective on the experiences and perspectives of deaf individuals.

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