Introduction

Learn about the language of sign and how it was not regarded as a real language at first and learn 10 new words in context as this is a new Word Power episode from English Plus Podcast.


Audio Podcast


The Language of Sign

When American Sign Language (ASL) was introduced in the early 1800s, it was regarded as no more than a form of pidgin English. However, it differed from other forms of pidgin English in that it consisted of a combination of gestures that looked like the ideas or words the gestures were supposed to represent. Assuming that language must be based on speech or modulations of sound, linguists regarded as heresy the notion that signed languages are natural languages like English, French, and Chinese. In the past twenty years, however, linguists have acknowledged that signed languages like ASL are as powerful and intricately structured as spoken ones, and that they are capable of expressing the subtle shades of meaning possible with spoken languages.

Just as speakers combine meaningless bits of sound into meaningful words, signers unite individually meaningless hand and body movements into words. They choose from a palette of assorted hand shapes, such as a fist or a pointed index finger. They also choose where to make a sign and how to orient the hand and the arm. Each shape and position provides context clues to the intended meaning. Furthermore, ASL has a key language ingredient: a grammar to regulate its flow. For example, a signer might make the sign for ‘Jane” at some point in space. By pointing to that spot later, the signer creates the pronoun she or her, meaning Jane. A sign moving toward the spot means something done to her; a sign moving away from the spot means an action done by her. Facial expressions and head movements also function as grammatical markers, providing crucial linguistic information. A head tilted forward and raised eyebrows, for instance, turn a statement into a question.

This complex system of gestures sheds new light on the old scientific controversy over whether language is an innate human instinct or learned behavior. Linguists have reasoned that if ASL is a true language, unconnected to speech, then our proclivity for language must be built in at birth, whether we express it with our tongue or with our hands. The work of research psychologists supports this belief; deaf babies of deaf parents babble in sign. Just as hearing infants create nonsense sounds as their first attempts at language, so, too, do deaf babies, but they do so with their hands. Their systematic hand and finger movements, totally unlike those of hearing children, are a way of exploring the linguistic units that will be the building blocks of their language.

Like any living language, ASL is dynamic and continues to evolve. For example, terms that were visual representations of ethnic stereotypes have been replaced by finely tuned, sensitized signs. The language of sign is hardly silent; instead, it is alive with unique patterns that communicate meaning.

Interactive Activities

Flashcards


Learning


Matching


Spelling


Test


Crossword Puzzle


PDF Practice Worksheet

Become a patron at Patreon!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

<a href="https://englishpluspodcast.com/author/dannyballanowner/" target="_self">English Plus</a>

English Plus

Author

English Plus Podcast is dedicated to bring you the most interesting, engaging and informative daily dose of English and knowledge. So, if you want to take your English and knowledge to the next level, look no further. Our dedicated content creation team has got you covered!

You may also Like

Three Laws That Must Be Obeyed | Word Power

Three Laws That Must Be Obeyed | Word Power

In this episode, we explore the meaning and usage of ten interesting keywords from a text about Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion. We discuss words like “apocryphal,” “behemoth,” “brevity,” “dally,” “depreciate,” “paraphrase,” “reinforce,” “relatively,” “respite,” and “svelte,” and share their definitions and common usage. Join us as we deepen our understanding of these words and learn how to use them effectively in our everyday conversations and writing. Don’t forget to follow our podcast on your favorite platform, share it with others, and leave us a rating and review to help us reach more listeners!

read more
Learning the Ropes | Word Power

Learning the Ropes | Word Power

In this Word Power episode – Learning the Ropes, we discuss 10 commonly used English keywords, including Gothic, impregnable, riven, insularity, elite, reverence, mystique, exhort, sundry, and primal. We define each of these words and explore how they can be used in different contexts. Plus, we offer tips for practicing these words to help expand your vocabulary.

read more
Stick Style | Word Power

Stick Style | Word Power

In this episode of Word Power, we explore the unique architectural style of the Great Camps in the Adirondack Mountains, and learn 10 new vocabulary words that will help you describe and appreciate this historic design. From the rustic charm of the buildings, to the prepossessing interiors filled with luxurious accoutrements, to the patina that has developed over time, we delve into the fascinating world of the Adirondack Great Camps. Along the way, we learn the meaning and usage of 10 new vocabulary words, including redolent, romantic, fastidious, and prototype. Plus, we provide exercises and resources to help you practice and retain these words in your own vocabulary. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode of Word Power!

read more

Recent Posts

The Story of Us | Hiroshima

The Story of Us | Hiroshima

Experience the poignant journey of a Hiroshima survivor in this emotional story. Witness the aftermath of the atomic bomb and the struggle to find meaning amid destruction and loss, as hope emerges from the ashes.

read more

Exploring the Enigma: What Happens After We Die?

Explore the age-old question of what happens after we die, from scientific views to spiritual beliefs like reincarnation and near-death experiences. Whether death is a final end or a new beginning, this thought-provoking discussion invites reflection on the mysteries of consciousness and the meaning of life. Join the conversation and share your perspective on life’s greatest mystery.

read more

Categories

Follow Us

Pin It on Pinterest