ASL-ENGLISH INTERPRETING PROGRAM YEAR 1 - Vlogs
The task was to summarize parts of "American Sign Language: A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture" in ASL.
Chapter 5 Summary
Nouns and Verbs The difference between nouns and verbs are demonstrated through their movement. We can compare their movement by frequency (single or repeated), directionality (unidirectional or bi directional) and manner (Continuos, hold, restrained). Generally speaking nouns are always repeated and restrained, where as verbs fluctuate between all categories. Compounds and Contractions Compounding is when two signs together create one meaning. For example the sign for girl and same, together mean sister. Contractions are when two or more signs become amalgamated into one but the meaning of the full sentence remains. Borrowing Signs Borrow signs are happen when two languages are in contact with one another and borrow from each other’s native tongue. One example in ASL is the use of fingerspelling or loan signs such as job. To summarize the main points were comparing noun and verb movement, compounds and contractions and borrow signs. The book also mentioned idioms where there is a fixed phrase but its meaning cannot be inferred by knowing the meanings of the individual words. There are very few in ASL one example being “train-go” |
Chapter 7 Summary
Time Line An imaginary line that runs through the signers body. Signs use space to signify when in time an event has happened. If the space in front of the body is used it demonstrates future tense. If the signers body space is being use is signifies the present and the space behind the signer indicates the past. NMS NMS is used to indicate the closeness of an event. If an event has happened recently it will be signified to by a raise of the cheek and shoulder. An example using “last weekend”. Just the opposite events far away are shown by puffed cheeks. An example my homework won’t be finished for a long time. Time Signs Modulated to Express Different Concepts One example is the incorporation of number signs, two weeks ago or every year. Time signs can also be changed in order to demonstrate regularity, duration and long repeated time. Regularity such as something happening every day. (Note in the video ASL is incorrect in Regularity expansion) Duration such as something happening all day and long repeated time demonstrating something happening again and again. |
Chapter 8 Summary:
Indexing The index finger is used as a pronoun to point to someone, a group or something. It can be used in the singular he/it/you etc. It can also be pluralized for example in a group, we. Possessive Reference To demonstrate possession the handshape 5 is used. A repetition can also be used to reinforce possesion. Pronouns Representing Non-Present People/Things The signers space is used to place the pronouns. Non-present people, things and places can be established in the space as pronouns and signers can use them so long as they set up reference points. |
Chapter 9 Summary
Verbs Verbs are modulated to show who is actually doing the action. These modulations use space around the signers body to indicate relationship. First person the spatial location of the signer, second person the spacial location of the addressee and third person other present/non-present people things or places. Sign Order and Topicalization If the sign order is noun, verb, noun than the first noun is topicalizaed. If the verb is not directional, the order of the signs can vary and the object can be the topic. Body Shift and Eye Gaze Body shift is important when expressing conversations that have taken place. Eye gaze is also important in demonstrating relationships such as between parent and child. |
Chapter 13
Temporal Aspect ASL gives information about time via verb modulations. There are four categories for these modulations; continually, frequently, prolonged time and over and over again. Chapter 14 Distributional Aspect ASL gives information about the distribution of a particular action via verb modulations. The four categories of distributional aspect include: to all in a group, to or form each in a group, to or from specified individuals, and lastly to or form unspecified individuals. |
Reference:
Baker-Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (1980). American sign language: A teachers resource text on grammar and culture. Washington D.C.: Gallaudet University Press.
Baker-Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (1980). American sign language: A teachers resource text on grammar and culture. Washington D.C.: Gallaudet University Press.