Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-17-2023

Abstract

American Sign Language (ASL), like many different signed languages, has a systematic way of using pointing signs for multiple types of nominal reference. Possibly the most basic function of pointing is to indicate, direct and modulate reference to physical objects located in proximal and distal areas called exophoric demonstratives.

This study aims to investigate ASL exophoric demonstratives and how ASL fits within the different typological systems of demonstratives that have been documented (Diessel & Coventry, 2020). Several research questions focus on how signers direct attention to proximal and distal referents in ASL using an elicitation task. The two studies (adult and children) recorded a combined 866 demonstrative tokens and suggest that ASL has a one-demonstrative system using a pointing sign as the primary demonstrative. However, the primary ASL demonstrative is modulated with variation in handshape, movement, and eye gaze to signal the location of the referent.

Keywords

ASL, demonstratives

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Linguistics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Erin Wilkinson

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jill P. Morford

Third Committee Member

Dr. Barbara Shaffer

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Naomi Shin

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