ASL 213 - Comparative Linguistics: American Sign Language and English

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Explore the basic concepts of American Sign Language linguistics in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and discourse structures as compared to English. Develop sign variations as a result of gender, race, geography, social class and language acquisition.

Prerequisite(s): ASL 212 with a grade of C or better or permission of department chair.

Note: Typically offered at MC; fall and spring terms.

Course Outcomes:

Examine general themes and issues in the realm of American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf communities.
- Distinguish between appropriate ASL grammatical structures and English-influenced structures.
- Explore the influence of English among ASL users.
- Distinguish ASL as a language from artificial manual/communication systems.
Explore the mechanisms of learning and language acquisition.
- Distinguish between signing word-for-word as opposed to conveying concepts.
- Explore learning new vocabulary with using activities to prepare for real-life application.
- Recognize the constant evolution of languages, including ASL.
Explore trends and norms in social settings.
- Describe what are norms and values in Deaf culture.
- Explore the etiquette of interrupting and joining a signed conversation.
Explore areas of language and response.
- Explore responses by confirming, correcting, and giving appropriate reactions.
- Explore non-manual responses without signing.
Explore the areas of language and expression.
- Explore language by role shifting, sharing stories, information sharing, and rules explanation.
- Explore non-manual markers in ASL.
Explore the art of retelling stories.
- Examine recorded stories.
- Review the steps of retelling stories.
Explore and examine in constructive feedback to peers.
- Review peers’ understanding of ASL linguistics.
Explore additional information about cultural norms and values in the Deaf communities.
- Examine regional variations due to gender, race, geography, and social classes.
- Explore identities and language usages/preferences.