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Sign Language Science

Factors Contributing to Nature Structure

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Ted Supalla

In this course, we will look at how people make sign language work—and to understand this, we have to analyze the actual language. In this course, Professor Ted Supalla will walk you through examples of how alterations within a sign can change its meaning and how this can affect word order in a sentence. This is discussed under the broad term “structure”, because a number of things can influence signed language grammar. Many factors have to be considered, which is why we have to take a layered, cumulative approach here.

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In this course, we will look at how people make sign language work—and to understand this, we have to analyze the actual language. In this course, Professor Ted Supalla will walk you through examples of how alterations within a sign can change its meaning and how this can affect word order in a sentence. This is discussed under the broad term “structure”, because a number of things can influence signed language grammar. Many factors have to be considered, which is why we have to take a layered, cumulative approach here.

What you'll learn

State the role of facial expression in the syntax of ASL
Define "spatialized syntax"
Name at least 2 categories of spatial verbs in ASL
State the relationship between spatial inflection and linear sign order for sentences
Define "frozen sign" and its role in ASL lexicon
Name at least two characteristics for how such loan signs can accept inflections

What's inside

Learning objectives

State the role of facial expression in the syntax of asl
Define "spatialized syntax"
Name at least 2 categories of spatial verbs in asl

State the relationship between spatial inflection and linear sign order for sentences
Define "frozen sign" and its role in asl lexicon
Name at least two characteristics for how such loan signs can accept inflections

State the role of facial expression in the syntax of asl
Define "spatialized syntax"
Name at least 2 categories of spatial verbs in asl
State the relationship between spatial inflection and linear sign order for sentences
Define "frozen sign" and its role in asl lexicon
Name at least two characteristics for how such loan signs can accept inflections

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Geared for learners with no background in sign language

Introduces spatialized syntax, a core concept in ASL

Delves into facial expression as a crucial element of ASL syntax

Facilitates understanding of frozen signs and their role in ASL

Lays the foundation for further exploration of ASL structure

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Reviews summary

In-depth asl linguistic structure

According to students, this course offers an in-depth, academic exploration of American Sign Language (ASL) structure, making it highly valuable for linguists and advanced ASL learners. Learners consistently praise Professor Ted Supalla's expertise and clear lectures, which break down complex concepts like spatialized syntax and facial expression roles. While it provides an essential theoretical framework, it is not suitable for beginners or those seeking conversational fluency, as it requires a strong linguistics background. Some note its primarily theoretical focus, wishing for more practical application.

The instructor, Professor Supalla, is highly knowledgeable and effective.

"Professor Supalla's expertise shines through every lecture. This course is essential for anyone serious about understanding the underlying science of ASL."

"Highly recommend for linguists and advanced ASL students... The explanations of facial expressions' role and different verb categories were extremely clear. The professor is a true expert."

"The professor is knowledgeable, and his lectures were clear and well-organized."

Explores ASL grammar and structure in significant theoretical depth.

"This course exceeded my expectations! Professor Supalla breaks down complex linguistic concepts of ASL structure into understandable segments."

"Absolutely brilliant! The exploration of how subtle alterations in signs change meaning and affect word order was fascinating."

"Provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for ASL. The discussions on spatial inflection and linear sign order were particularly strong."

The course can be fast-paced, requiring repeated viewing for some.

"The professor is knowledgeable, but the pace can be quite fast when dealing with complex topics like spatial verbs."

"The pacing assumed a high level of prior knowledge. I learned a lot but had to rewatch lectures multiple times."

"My only minor critique is that some explanations could have been slightly more elaborated for learners without a prior strong linguistics background."

Focuses on academic theory rather than hands-on application.

"It's quite academic and theory-heavy, which I liked, but it means there isn't much practical application practice."

"Too theoretical and dry for me. I was hoping for more practical examples or ways to apply this knowledge to improve my ASL fluency."

"The course is very academic and provides a valuable resource for specialized study, though some hands-on analysis opportunities would have been nice."

Content assumes prior knowledge, making it less suitable for novices.

"It's not for beginners, but for those with some ASL background or linguistic interest, it's a gem."

"I found some parts difficult to follow without a stronger linguistics background. It's definitely not for general ASL learners."

"I came into this course with a good grasp of basic ASL, but struggled with the advanced linguistic concepts. It definitely requires a strong foundation in syntax."

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 Nature Structure with these activities:

Read 'The Oxford Handbook of Deaf Studies, Language, and Education'

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Review the comprehensive 'The Oxford Handbook of Deaf Studies, Language, and Education' to gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and linguistics of deaf communities.

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Purchase или borrow a copy of 'The Oxford Handbook of Deaf Studies, Language, and Education'.
Set aside dedicated time for reading and studying the book.
Take notes and highlight key concepts and ideas.
Engage in discussions or online forums to share and discuss your insights from the book.

Organize Course Notes and Resources

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Compile and organize your course notes, materials, and other resources to create a comprehensive study guide or reference document.

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Review and gather all notes, handouts, and assignments from the course.
Organize the materials by topic or lesson.
Consider using a binder, digital note-taking app, or other organizational tools.
Include additional resources such as online videos, articles, or sign language dictionaries.
Review the organized materials regularly to reinforce learning.

Explore Spatialized Syntax in ASL

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Engage with online tutorials or videos that explore the concept of spatialized syntax in ASL, including its impact on word order and sentence structure.

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Search for online resources on spatialized syntax in ASL.
Select a tutorial or video that aligns with your learning style.
Follow the instructions and explanations provided in the tutorial.
Take notes and summarize the key concepts of spatialized syntax.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Analyze Sign Language Examples

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Practice analyzing sign language examples to understand how alterations within a sign can change its meaning and affect word order.

Browse courses on Sign Language Grammar

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Review course materials on sign language structure.
Identify examples of sign language variations from videos or online resources.
Analyze the variations and their impact on meaning and word order.

Collaborate on Sign Language Projects

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Work with peers to create presentations or videos that demonstrate understanding of sign language structures and grammar.

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Form a study group with classmates interested in sign language.
Choose a topic related to sign language structure or grammar to explore.
Research the topic and gather information from course materials and other sources.
Develop a presentation or video that showcases your findings.

Develop a Sign Language Vocabulary Dictionary

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Create a comprehensive dictionary or glossary that covers the vocabulary and signs taught in the course, including their variations and nuances.

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Review course materials and make a list of signs and vocabulary.
Organize the signs into categories or themes.
Provide clear definitions and descriptions for each sign.
Include examples of how the signs are used in different contexts.
Consider incorporating images, videos, or online resources to enhance understanding.

Record Sign Language Presentations

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Create short video presentations that demonstrate your understanding of sign language concepts and vocabulary learned in the course.

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Choose a topic related to the course material you want to present.
Write a script or outline for your presentation.
Practice signing your presentation.
Record yourself signing the presentation using a video recording device.
Review and edit your recording to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Nature Structure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Teachers of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing provide specialized instruction to deaf or hard of hearing students. This course would be highly beneficial for Teachers of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as it provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for effective teaching of deaf or hard of hearing students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Sign Language Interpreter

Sign Language Interpreters facilitate communication between deaf or hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals. This course would be highly beneficial for Sign Language Interpreters, as it provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for accurate and effective interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists evaluate and treat individuals with speech, language, and swallowing impairments. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who want to learn more about the structure of sign language, as this knowledge can be helpful in assessing and treating individuals with hearing loss or other communication disorders. Additionally, speech language pathologists can work with sign language interpreters to ensure those who communicate solely in sign language are getting the best care possible.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Audiologist

Audiologists assess and treat individuals with hearing loss and other hearing-related disorders. This course may be useful for Audiologists who want to learn more about the structure of sign language, as this knowledge can be helpful in communicating with deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Audiologists can also work with sign language interpreters to ensure that those who communicate solely in sign language are getting the best care possible.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist

Linguist

Linguists study the structure and use of language. This course may be useful for Linguists who want to specialize in sign language linguistics. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for conducting research on sign language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. This course may be useful for Psychologists who want to specialize in the study of sign language and deafness. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for conducting research on sign language and deafness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who want to specialize in the study of sign language and Deaf culture. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for conducting research on sign language and Deaf culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Sociologist

Sociologists study the development, structure, and functioning of human society. This course may be useful for Sociologists who want to specialize in the study of sign language and Deaf culture. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for conducting research on sign language and Deaf culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Historian

Historians study the past. This course may be useful for Historians who want to specialize in the study of sign language and Deaf culture. The course provides a deep understanding of the historical development of sign language and Deaf culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee the care and display of museum collections. This course may be useful for Museum Curators who want to specialize in the curation of sign language and Deaf culture artifacts. The course provides a deep understanding of the historical development of sign language and Deaf culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve historical records. This course may be useful for Archivists who want to specialize in the preservation of sign language and Deaf culture artifacts. The course provides a deep understanding of the historical development of sign language and Deaf culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Librarian

Librarians manage and provide access to information resources. This course may be useful for Librarians who want to specialize in providing services to deaf and hard of hearing patrons. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for effectively serving deaf and hard of hearing patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Disability Advocate

Disability Advocates promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. This course may be useful for Disability Advocates who want to specialize in advocating for the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for effectively advocating for the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate challenges and improve their well-being. This course may be useful for Social Workers who want to specialize in working with deaf and hard of hearing clients. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for effectively working with deaf and hard of hearing clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Counselor

Counselors help people with mental health issues and other life challenges. This course may be useful for Counselors who want to specialize in working with deaf and hard of hearing clients. The course provides a deep understanding of the structure of sign language, including the role of facial expression, spatialized syntax, and spatial verbs. This knowledge is essential for effectively working with deaf and hard of hearing clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Nature Structure.

Cover image

Cover image

Sign Language Phonology

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Offers a comprehensive introduction to the structure of sign languages, including ASL. It provides a detailed overview of the major theoretical paradigms used to analyze sign language structure.

Sign Language Phonology (Key Topics in Phonology)

Sign Language Phonology (Key Topics in Phonology)

Cover image

Cover image

Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the morphology and lexical semantics of sign languages, including ASL. It explores the different ways that sign languages create and combine words.

Australian Sign Language (Auslan): An introduction...

Australian Sign Language (Auslan): An introduction...

Cover image

Cover image

Language Contact in the American Deaf Community

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical issues in sign language research, including ASL. It explores the different ways that sign languages have been studied and analyzed.

Language Contact in the American Deaf Community

Cover image

Cover image

Language, Cognition, and the Brain

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Provides a collection of cutting-edge research papers on the study of sign languages, including ASL. It offers new insights into the ways that sign languages are used and processed.

Language, Cognition, and the Brain

Language, Cognition, and the Brain: Insights From...

Cover image

Cover image

Diversity in Deaf Education

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of deaf education, including the use of ASL. It offers insights into the different ways that deaf children can be educated.

Diversity in Deaf Education (Perspectives on...

Diversity in Deaf Education (Perspectives on...

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Cover image

The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America

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This dictionary provides a comprehensive list of ASL signs and their English translations. It useful reference for students and professionals who are working with ASL.

The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America

The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America, Revised and...

Unknown Binding

the deliberate dumbing down of america - A...

Unknown Binding

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Cover image

Taboo in Sign Languages

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Provides a comprehensive overview of ASL and the deaf community. It useful resource for people who are interested in learning more about ASL and deaf culture.

Taboo in Sign Languages (Elements in Sign Languages)

Cover image

Cover image

Inside Deaf Culture

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Provides a comprehensive overview of deaf culture and the deaf community. It useful resource for people who are interested in learning more about deaf culture and history.

Inside Deaf Culture

Inside Deaf Culture

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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 (viewing)
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Learning
Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Geared for learners with no background in sign language

Introduces spatialized syntax, a core concept in ASL

Delves into facial expression as a crucial element of ASL syntax

Facilitates understanding of frozen signs and their role in ASL

Lays the foundation for further exploration of ASL structure

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