Linguistics ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-13-2023

Abstract

There are no known published studies documenting the linguistic variation of American Sign Language in New Mexico. We applied the Perceptual Dialectology approach to gain insights into how ASL variation is perceived by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population in New Mexico. Participants reported 60 signs associated with a historical variety of ASL used at NMSD, and many more signs that are linked to regional and cultural relevance in New Mexico. Four participants provided highly descriptive maps that identify themes related to the sources of variation. Comparisons to studies of Black ASL are discussed to identify parallels in the factors that impact the signing of minority communities. The Perceptual Dialectology approach is an effective method to examine the attitudes and beliefs of signers toward local and outside varieties of ASL, and to generate hypotheses for corpus studies of the multicultural and multilingual Deaf population of New Mexico.

Language

English

Keywords

Language Variation; Perceptual Dialectology; Signed Language; New Mexico

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Linguistics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Linguistics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Jill P. Morford

Second Committee Member

Dr. Barbara Shaffer

Third Committee Member

Dr. Erin Wilkinson

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