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).
What did Emmorey et al. (2008) reveal about peripheral vision in signers?
Signers demonstrate enhanced peripheral vision due to reliance on facial cues during signing.
How does sign language influence mental imagery?
Improves mental rotation skills through frequent spatial transformations during signing (Watkins et al., 2023).
What hemispheric specialization is observed in signers?
Left hemisphere dominance for linguistic tasks, including visual-motor language processing (Bavelier et al., 2001).
Why is studying signed languages essential for linguistics?
They challenge spoken language biases, revealing linguistic universals across modalities.
How do Deaf drivers perform better in visual tasks?
Enhanced visual reaction times and peripheral vision, especially in the left visual field (Neville and Lawson, 1967).
How do syntactic and topographic spaces differ cognitively?
Syntactic space handles grammar, while topographic space represents physical layouts.
What evidence supports the legitimacy of sign languages?
Structured phonology, grammar, and semantic systems independent of spoken languages.
How do signed languages show phonological processing?
Errors like ‘slips-of-the-hand’ reflect similar underlying processes to spoken phonological errors.
How does bilingualism with sign languages enhance cognition?
Boosts task-switching, working memory, and language flexibility.
Why is visual-manual modality significant in language processing?
It creates unique syntactic and phonological rules adapted to visual communication.
How do signed languages demonstrate cultural diversity?
Reflect unique community norms, practices, and linguistic creativity.
What did Sutton-Spence and Woll (1999) conclude about syntactic space?
It is distinct from spatial cognition, confirming linguistic processing in signers.
What are phonological elements in sign language?
Handshape, location, and movement, each contributing to a sign’s meaning.
How does studying signed languages enhance our understanding of the brain?
Provides insights into brain lateralization, visual-motor tasks, and spatial cognition.
What are examples of linguistic universals in signed languages?
Grammar, phonology, and syntax, all seen across spoken and signed languages.
How do Deaf communities challenge stereotypes?
By emphasizing pride in sign language and rejecting the medicalized view of hearing loss.
Why is it essential to debunk myths about Deafness and sign language?
To promote understanding, respect, and the recognition of cultural and linguistic contributions.
