W7 - Sign Language Flashcards
What is ‘multimodal processing’ in language?
Processing language using multiple sensory inputs, such as auditory and visual channels.
How does bilingualism shape cognition?
Improves executive functions, task-switching, and attention control by managing two linguistic systems.
What does ‘Deaf’ (uppercase) represent?
A cultural identity associated with signing communities and the use of sign languages.
What does ‘deaf’ (lowercase) refer to?
Audiological or medical definitions, often without a connection to sign language or cultural identity.
Is there a universal sign language?
No, sign languages like ASL, BSL, and Libras are distinct, each with unique grammar and vocabulary.
Why is the myth of a universal sign language incorrect?
Sign languages are not standardized globally; each develops within its community, reflecting cultural diversity.
What is the myth regarding the complexity of sign languages?
The false belief that sign languages lack nuance or subtlety.
How do sign languages demonstrate complexity?
Through structured grammar, syntax, and semantics, enabling the expression of sophisticated ideas.
What myth compares sign language to mime?
The belief that sign languages are similar to mime or gestures.
How do sign languages differ from mime?
They have structured grammar and phonological elements, unlike the unstructured nature of mime.
Why study sign languages?
To explore language processing across modalities and understand linguistic diversity and universals.
What did Klima and Bellugi (1979) show about sign languages?
Sign languages meet linguistic criteria like grammar, phonology, and syntax, proving they are real languages.
Can Deaf individuals speak?
Yes, as speech and hearing are separate abilities, though not all choose to.
Do all Deaf people lip-read effectively?
No, lip-reading is often unreliable due to the invisibility of many speech sounds.
Why don’t all Deaf people wish to hear?
Many embrace their cultural identity and value their connection to the Deaf community.
Do Deaf individuals use Braille?
No, Braille is used by blind individuals and is unrelated to Deafness.
Can Deaf individuals drive safely?
Yes, often with faster visual reaction times, debunking the myth that they cannot drive.
What are ‘slips-of-the-hand’ errors in sign language?
Phonological errors like incorrect handshape or movement, similar to slips-of-the-tongue in spoken language (Hohenberger et al., 2002).
What are the most common types of sign language errors?
Anticipation and perseveration errors in handshape, movement, and location.
What is a Tip-of-the-Finger (TOF) state?
A phenomenon where signers know a sign’s meaning but cannot retrieve its form (Thompson et al., 2005).
What does syntactic space enable in sign language?
Abstract grammar through spatial referencing, such as co-referencing locations.
How is topographic space used in sign language?
To depict real-world spatial relationships.
How did Poizner et al. (1990) distinguish syntactic from spatial processing?
Found syntactic space remains intact despite spatial deficits, proving separate cognitive mechanisms.
How does signing enhance motion detection?
Signers excel in detecting purposeful versus transitional motion (Klima, Uellugi, and Carins, 1996).
