Sign language as used by deaf adults may resemble English, or it may be American Sign
Language (ASL), which has a grammar, syntax, and idioms distinct from English. ASL is
sometimes called a natural language because it evolved through use by people who were
deaf. In contrast, English-based sign systems were developed by educators. These
systems adopted much of the vocabulary of ASL but added grammatical features of
English such as articles (a, an, the), verb endings (-s, -ing, -ed, -en), and other markers of
English. English-based sign systems follow English syntax. In some systems English
words are presented literally (e.g., one sign is used for the word "run" no matter what the
meaning). In other systems the signs for English words may vary depending on the
meaning of the word, to more closely relate to ASL.
One such system that remains close to ASL is Signed English (Bornstein, Hamilton, &
Saulnier, 1983). This system is aimed at preschool and lower elementary children and
includes a limited number of markers (e.g., -s, -ed, -ly). It retains many conceptual signs
from ASL, such as "hair-yellow" for "blond". A number of children's storybooks such as
Little Red Riding Hood are available in this system. A system no longer widely used that
was extremely close to English is Seeing Essential English (Anthony, 1971), often
referred to as SEE 1. This system used separate signs for English morphemes and signed
by "root words" such as gene as the root for genetic, general, generous. The most widely
used system that is close to English is Signing Exact English, or SEE 2. This system
includes many more markers than Signed English (e.g., -ous, -ness, -ment) and signs by
English word rather than by concept. In SEE 2 one would use the same signs for "is
running" whether the subject is a man, the water, one's nose, or a car. In ASL the sign for
"run" would differ in each of those situations.
Apart from specific vocabulary, all of the sign systems include the visual features of a
signed language that add meaning and intonation to signing, such as shaking the head
with a negative statement, raising the eyebrows with a yes-no question, placing signs
according to meaning, and using facial expression and body movement to convey mood
and tone.
Many individuals and programs use a mixture of systems. Because one can speak nearly
twice as fast as one can sign, it takes commitment and practice to sign complete English.
Many individuals sign in English word order but do not include word endings or markers.
Some choose to sign by word meaning; others choose to follow the SEE 2 principle of
signing by English word.
WHO CAN USE THIS OPTION?
English-based systems are used by many parents of young children who are deaf. They
are also used widely by educators. Some of the vocabulary developed by these sign
systems has been accepted in widespread use in ASL, but many Deaf adults have
negative attitudes toward the use of such a system. They view it as a denial of Deaf
culture and a failure to accept a child's deafness. Parents and educators, on the other hand,
use it because they wish to expose the child to English in a clearly visible modality. In
addition, many parents prefer it because English is their own language, and they wish
their children to know the same language. A number of families and schools use such a
system as one component of a total approach to communication, including ASL,
amplification, speechreading, reading, and writing. Persons who work with families of
young children, or with the children themselves, should be familiar with the system used
in their locality.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS OPTION?
Children learn the language of their environment when they perceive it clearly. Use of an
English-based sign system provides them with access to English during the language
learning years. Such a sign system is also useful with older students who have not yet
mastered English, when used with a second language learning approach. As with any
language, the fluency of the child will depend on the fluency of the language models in
his/her environment. When fluent and complete models are consistently available,
English can be learned in a normal manner. This is a critical point for English-based sign
systems, since English literacy has been and remains very important and very difficult for
many individuals who are deaf.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS OPTION?
Because English-based sign systems do differ from ASL in grammar and in the use of
English markers, some Deaf adults do not like them. They feel it is an attempt by hearing
persons to impose hearing standards on children who are deaf. In addition, because
speech is faster than signs, an individual must be committed to presenting complete
English in signs and to make the effort to learn and become fluent. Persons who are not
wholly committed may end up signing only part of their spoken message, presenting
incomplete English that does not fit ASL syntax either. What are some questions to ask
before choosing this option?
Do I believe in the importance of presenting complete English? Am I willing to take the
time to become fluent? What is used in the schools in the area where I live? What
materials are available to help me learn? How will I react if I meet negative attitudes
from deaf adults? How will I ensure the child's involvement with the Deaf community
and his/her self-esteem as a person who is deaf?
REFERENCES
Anthony, D. (1971). Seeing Essential English. Anaheim, CA: Educational Services
Division, Anaheim Union High School District.
Bornstein, H. (Ed.) (1990). Manual communication: Implications for Education.
Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Bornstein, J., Hamilton, L., & Saulnier, K. (1983). The comprehensive Signed English
dictionary. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Brasel, K. & Quigley, S. (1977). The influence of certain language and communication
environments in early childhood on the development of language in deaf individuals.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 20, 95-107.
Gaustad, M.A.G. (1986). Longitudinal effects of manual English instruction on deaf
children's morphological skills. Applied Psycholinguistics, 7, 101-128.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1988). The benefit of oral-English-only as compared with signed
input to hearing impaired students. The Volta Review, 90(7), 349-361.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1993). Three PSE studies: Implications for educators. In M.P.
Moeller (Ed.), Proceedings: Issues in Language and Deafness. Omaha, NE: Boys Town
National Research Hospital.
RESOURCES
The Gallaudet University Bookstore (800 Florida Ave., NE, Washington DC 20002)
carries both Signed English and Signing Exact English materials. Gallaudet University
Press publishes the Signed English materials, and has published a book, Manual
communication: Implications for education (1990), edited by H. Bornstein, which
provides detailed information on the topic. Specific questions about Signing Exact
English may be referred to the SEE Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children (10443
Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720). SEE 2 materials are published by Modern
Sign Press, Inc., PO Box 1181, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
Sign language as used by deaf adults may resemble English, or it may be American Sign
Language (ASL), which has a grammar, syntax, and idioms distinct from English. ASL is
sometimes called a natural language because it evolved through use by people who were
deaf. In contrast, English-based sign systems were developed by educators. These
systems adopted much of the vocabulary of ASL but added grammatical features of
English such as articles (a, an, the), verb endings (-s, -ing, -ed, -en), and other markers of
English. English-based sign systems follow English syntax. In some systems English
words are presented literally (e.g., one sign is used for the word "run" no matter what the
meaning). In other systems the signs for English words may vary depending on the
meaning of the word, to more closely relate to ASL.
One such system that remains close to ASL is Signed English (Bornstein, Hamilton, &
Saulnier, 1983). This system is aimed at preschool and lower elementary children and
includes a limited number of markers (e.g., -s, -ed, -ly). It retains many conceptual signs
from ASL, such as "hair-yellow" for "blond". A number of children's storybooks such as
Little Red Riding Hood are available in this system. A system no longer widely used that
was extremely close to English is Seeing Essential English (Anthony, 1971), often
referred to as SEE 1. This system used separate signs for English morphemes and signed
by "root words" such as gene as the root for genetic, general, generous. The most widely
used system that is close to English is Signing Exact English, or SEE 2. This system
includes many more markers than Signed English (e.g., -ous, -ness, -ment) and signs by
English word rather than by concept. In SEE 2 one would use the same signs for "is
running" whether the subject is a man, the water, one's nose, or a car. In ASL the sign for
"run" would differ in each of those situations.
Apart from specific vocabulary, all of the sign systems include the visual features of a
signed language that add meaning and intonation to signing, such as shaking the head
with a negative statement, raising the eyebrows with a yes-no question, placing signs
according to meaning, and using facial expression and body movement to convey mood
and tone.
Many individuals and programs use a mixture of systems. Because one can speak nearly
twice as fast as one can sign, it takes commitment and practice to sign complete English.
Many individuals sign in English word order but do not include word endings or markers.
Some choose to sign by word meaning; others choose to follow the SEE 2 principle of
signing by English word.
WHO CAN USE THIS OPTION?
English-based systems are used by many parents of young children who are deaf. They
are also used widely by educators. Some of the vocabulary developed by these sign
systems has been accepted in widespread use in ASL, but many Deaf adults have
negative attitudes toward the use of such a system. They view it as a denial of Deaf
culture and a failure to accept a child's deafness. Parents and educators, on the other hand,
use it because they wish to expose the child to English in a clearly visible modality. In
addition, many parents prefer it because English is their own language, and they wish
their children to know the same language. A number of families and schools use such a
system as one component of a total approach to communication, including ASL,
amplification, speechreading, reading, and writing. Persons who work with families of
young children, or with the children themselves, should be familiar with the system used
in their locality.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS OPTION?
Children learn the language of their environment when they perceive it clearly. Use of an
English-based sign system provides them with access to English during the language
learning years. Such a sign system is also useful with older students who have not yet
mastered English, when used with a second language learning approach. As with any
language, the fluency of the child will depend on the fluency of the language models in
his/her environment. When fluent and complete models are consistently available,
English can be learned in a normal manner. This is a critical point for English-based sign
systems, since English literacy has been and remains very important and very difficult for
many individuals who are deaf.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS OPTION?
Because English-based sign systems do differ from ASL in grammar and in the use of
English markers, some Deaf adults do not like them. They feel it is an attempt by hearing
persons to impose hearing standards on children who are deaf. In addition, because
speech is faster than signs, an individual must be committed to presenting complete
English in signs and to make the effort to learn and become fluent. Persons who are not
wholly committed may end up signing only part of their spoken message, presenting
incomplete English that does not fit ASL syntax either. What are some questions to ask
before choosing this option?
Do I believe in the importance of presenting complete English? Am I willing to take the
time to become fluent? What is used in the schools in the area where I live? What
materials are available to help me learn? How will I react if I meet negative attitudes
from deaf adults? How will I ensure the child's involvement with the Deaf community
and his/her self-esteem as a person who is deaf?
REFERENCES
Anthony, D. (1971). Seeing Essential English. Anaheim, CA: Educational Services
Division, Anaheim Union High School District.
Bornstein, H. (Ed.) (1990). Manual communication: Implications for Education.
Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Bornstein, J., Hamilton, L., & Saulnier, K. (1983). The comprehensive Signed English
dictionary. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Brasel, K. & Quigley, S. (1977). The influence of certain language and communication
environments in early childhood on the development of language in deaf individuals.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 20, 95-107.
Gaustad, M.A.G. (1986). Longitudinal effects of manual English instruction on deaf
children's morphological skills. Applied Psycholinguistics, 7, 101-128.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1988). The benefit of oral-English-only as compared with signed
input to hearing impaired students. The Volta Review, 90(7), 349-361.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1993). Three PSE studies: Implications for educators. In M.P.
Moeller (Ed.), Proceedings: Issues in Language and Deafness. Omaha, NE: Boys Town
National Research Hospital.
RESOURCES
The Gallaudet University Bookstore (800 Florida Ave., NE, Washington DC 20002)
carries both Signed English and Signing Exact English materials. Gallaudet University
Press publishes the Signed English materials, and has published a book, Manual
communication: Implications for education (1990), edited by H. Bornstein, which
provides detailed information on the topic. Specific questions about Signing Exact
English may be referred to the SEE Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children (10443
Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720). SEE 2 materials are published by Modern
Sign Press, Inc., PO Box 1181, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
(DOWNLOAD THIS TEXT)
Language (ASL), which has a grammar, syntax, and idioms distinct from English. ASL is
sometimes called a natural language because it evolved through use by people who were
deaf. In contrast, English-based sign systems were developed by educators. These
systems adopted much of the vocabulary of ASL but added grammatical features of
English such as articles (a, an, the), verb endings (-s, -ing, -ed, -en), and other markers of
English. English-based sign systems follow English syntax. In some systems English
words are presented literally (e.g., one sign is used for the word "run" no matter what the
meaning). In other systems the signs for English words may vary depending on the
meaning of the word, to more closely relate to ASL.
One such system that remains close to ASL is Signed English (Bornstein, Hamilton, &
Saulnier, 1983). This system is aimed at preschool and lower elementary children and
includes a limited number of markers (e.g., -s, -ed, -ly). It retains many conceptual signs
from ASL, such as "hair-yellow" for "blond". A number of children's storybooks such as
Little Red Riding Hood are available in this system. A system no longer widely used that
was extremely close to English is Seeing Essential English (Anthony, 1971), often
referred to as SEE 1. This system used separate signs for English morphemes and signed
by "root words" such as gene as the root for genetic, general, generous. The most widely
used system that is close to English is Signing Exact English, or SEE 2. This system
includes many more markers than Signed English (e.g., -ous, -ness, -ment) and signs by
English word rather than by concept. In SEE 2 one would use the same signs for "is
running" whether the subject is a man, the water, one's nose, or a car. In ASL the sign for
"run" would differ in each of those situations.
Apart from specific vocabulary, all of the sign systems include the visual features of a
signed language that add meaning and intonation to signing, such as shaking the head
with a negative statement, raising the eyebrows with a yes-no question, placing signs
according to meaning, and using facial expression and body movement to convey mood
and tone.
Many individuals and programs use a mixture of systems. Because one can speak nearly
twice as fast as one can sign, it takes commitment and practice to sign complete English.
Many individuals sign in English word order but do not include word endings or markers.
Some choose to sign by word meaning; others choose to follow the SEE 2 principle of
signing by English word.
WHO CAN USE THIS OPTION?
English-based systems are used by many parents of young children who are deaf. They
are also used widely by educators. Some of the vocabulary developed by these sign
systems has been accepted in widespread use in ASL, but many Deaf adults have
negative attitudes toward the use of such a system. They view it as a denial of Deaf
culture and a failure to accept a child's deafness. Parents and educators, on the other hand,
use it because they wish to expose the child to English in a clearly visible modality. In
addition, many parents prefer it because English is their own language, and they wish
their children to know the same language. A number of families and schools use such a
system as one component of a total approach to communication, including ASL,
amplification, speechreading, reading, and writing. Persons who work with families of
young children, or with the children themselves, should be familiar with the system used
in their locality.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS OPTION?
Children learn the language of their environment when they perceive it clearly. Use of an
English-based sign system provides them with access to English during the language
learning years. Such a sign system is also useful with older students who have not yet
mastered English, when used with a second language learning approach. As with any
language, the fluency of the child will depend on the fluency of the language models in
his/her environment. When fluent and complete models are consistently available,
English can be learned in a normal manner. This is a critical point for English-based sign
systems, since English literacy has been and remains very important and very difficult for
many individuals who are deaf.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS OPTION?
Because English-based sign systems do differ from ASL in grammar and in the use of
English markers, some Deaf adults do not like them. They feel it is an attempt by hearing
persons to impose hearing standards on children who are deaf. In addition, because
speech is faster than signs, an individual must be committed to presenting complete
English in signs and to make the effort to learn and become fluent. Persons who are not
wholly committed may end up signing only part of their spoken message, presenting
incomplete English that does not fit ASL syntax either. What are some questions to ask
before choosing this option?
Do I believe in the importance of presenting complete English? Am I willing to take the
time to become fluent? What is used in the schools in the area where I live? What
materials are available to help me learn? How will I react if I meet negative attitudes
from deaf adults? How will I ensure the child's involvement with the Deaf community
and his/her self-esteem as a person who is deaf?
REFERENCES
Anthony, D. (1971). Seeing Essential English. Anaheim, CA: Educational Services
Division, Anaheim Union High School District.
Bornstein, H. (Ed.) (1990). Manual communication: Implications for Education.
Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Bornstein, J., Hamilton, L., & Saulnier, K. (1983). The comprehensive Signed English
dictionary. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Brasel, K. & Quigley, S. (1977). The influence of certain language and communication
environments in early childhood on the development of language in deaf individuals.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 20, 95-107.
Gaustad, M.A.G. (1986). Longitudinal effects of manual English instruction on deaf
children's morphological skills. Applied Psycholinguistics, 7, 101-128.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1988). The benefit of oral-English-only as compared with signed
input to hearing impaired students. The Volta Review, 90(7), 349-361.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1993). Three PSE studies: Implications for educators. In M.P.
Moeller (Ed.), Proceedings: Issues in Language and Deafness. Omaha, NE: Boys Town
National Research Hospital.
RESOURCES
The Gallaudet University Bookstore (800 Florida Ave., NE, Washington DC 20002)
carries both Signed English and Signing Exact English materials. Gallaudet University
Press publishes the Signed English materials, and has published a book, Manual
communication: Implications for education (1990), edited by H. Bornstein, which
provides detailed information on the topic. Specific questions about Signing Exact
English may be referred to the SEE Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children (10443
Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720). SEE 2 materials are published by Modern
Sign Press, Inc., PO Box 1181, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
Sign language as used by deaf adults may resemble English, or it may be American Sign
Language (ASL), which has a grammar, syntax, and idioms distinct from English. ASL is
sometimes called a natural language because it evolved through use by people who were
deaf. In contrast, English-based sign systems were developed by educators. These
systems adopted much of the vocabulary of ASL but added grammatical features of
English such as articles (a, an, the), verb endings (-s, -ing, -ed, -en), and other markers of
English. English-based sign systems follow English syntax. In some systems English
words are presented literally (e.g., one sign is used for the word "run" no matter what the
meaning). In other systems the signs for English words may vary depending on the
meaning of the word, to more closely relate to ASL.
One such system that remains close to ASL is Signed English (Bornstein, Hamilton, &
Saulnier, 1983). This system is aimed at preschool and lower elementary children and
includes a limited number of markers (e.g., -s, -ed, -ly). It retains many conceptual signs
from ASL, such as "hair-yellow" for "blond". A number of children's storybooks such as
Little Red Riding Hood are available in this system. A system no longer widely used that
was extremely close to English is Seeing Essential English (Anthony, 1971), often
referred to as SEE 1. This system used separate signs for English morphemes and signed
by "root words" such as gene as the root for genetic, general, generous. The most widely
used system that is close to English is Signing Exact English, or SEE 2. This system
includes many more markers than Signed English (e.g., -ous, -ness, -ment) and signs by
English word rather than by concept. In SEE 2 one would use the same signs for "is
running" whether the subject is a man, the water, one's nose, or a car. In ASL the sign for
"run" would differ in each of those situations.
Apart from specific vocabulary, all of the sign systems include the visual features of a
signed language that add meaning and intonation to signing, such as shaking the head
with a negative statement, raising the eyebrows with a yes-no question, placing signs
according to meaning, and using facial expression and body movement to convey mood
and tone.
Many individuals and programs use a mixture of systems. Because one can speak nearly
twice as fast as one can sign, it takes commitment and practice to sign complete English.
Many individuals sign in English word order but do not include word endings or markers.
Some choose to sign by word meaning; others choose to follow the SEE 2 principle of
signing by English word.
WHO CAN USE THIS OPTION?
English-based systems are used by many parents of young children who are deaf. They
are also used widely by educators. Some of the vocabulary developed by these sign
systems has been accepted in widespread use in ASL, but many Deaf adults have
negative attitudes toward the use of such a system. They view it as a denial of Deaf
culture and a failure to accept a child's deafness. Parents and educators, on the other hand,
use it because they wish to expose the child to English in a clearly visible modality. In
addition, many parents prefer it because English is their own language, and they wish
their children to know the same language. A number of families and schools use such a
system as one component of a total approach to communication, including ASL,
amplification, speechreading, reading, and writing. Persons who work with families of
young children, or with the children themselves, should be familiar with the system used
in their locality.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS OPTION?
Children learn the language of their environment when they perceive it clearly. Use of an
English-based sign system provides them with access to English during the language
learning years. Such a sign system is also useful with older students who have not yet
mastered English, when used with a second language learning approach. As with any
language, the fluency of the child will depend on the fluency of the language models in
his/her environment. When fluent and complete models are consistently available,
English can be learned in a normal manner. This is a critical point for English-based sign
systems, since English literacy has been and remains very important and very difficult for
many individuals who are deaf.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS OPTION?
Because English-based sign systems do differ from ASL in grammar and in the use of
English markers, some Deaf adults do not like them. They feel it is an attempt by hearing
persons to impose hearing standards on children who are deaf. In addition, because
speech is faster than signs, an individual must be committed to presenting complete
English in signs and to make the effort to learn and become fluent. Persons who are not
wholly committed may end up signing only part of their spoken message, presenting
incomplete English that does not fit ASL syntax either. What are some questions to ask
before choosing this option?
Do I believe in the importance of presenting complete English? Am I willing to take the
time to become fluent? What is used in the schools in the area where I live? What
materials are available to help me learn? How will I react if I meet negative attitudes
from deaf adults? How will I ensure the child's involvement with the Deaf community
and his/her self-esteem as a person who is deaf?
REFERENCES
Anthony, D. (1971). Seeing Essential English. Anaheim, CA: Educational Services
Division, Anaheim Union High School District.
Bornstein, H. (Ed.) (1990). Manual communication: Implications for Education.
Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Bornstein, J., Hamilton, L., & Saulnier, K. (1983). The comprehensive Signed English
dictionary. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Brasel, K. & Quigley, S. (1977). The influence of certain language and communication
environments in early childhood on the development of language in deaf individuals.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 20, 95-107.
Gaustad, M.A.G. (1986). Longitudinal effects of manual English instruction on deaf
children's morphological skills. Applied Psycholinguistics, 7, 101-128.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1988). The benefit of oral-English-only as compared with signed
input to hearing impaired students. The Volta Review, 90(7), 349-361.
Luetke-Stahlman, B. (1993). Three PSE studies: Implications for educators. In M.P.
Moeller (Ed.), Proceedings: Issues in Language and Deafness. Omaha, NE: Boys Town
National Research Hospital.
RESOURCES
The Gallaudet University Bookstore (800 Florida Ave., NE, Washington DC 20002)
carries both Signed English and Signing Exact English materials. Gallaudet University
Press publishes the Signed English materials, and has published a book, Manual
communication: Implications for education (1990), edited by H. Bornstein, which
provides detailed information on the topic. Specific questions about Signing Exact
English may be referred to the SEE Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children (10443
Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA 90720). SEE 2 materials are published by Modern
Sign Press, Inc., PO Box 1181, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
(DOWNLOAD THIS TEXT)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment