I am not currently teaching Introduction to Interpreting (ASL3310).
Please note: All information currently available on this site represents work and due dates relevant to a previous semester/course. Please check back during later semesters for updated information on this course. Thank you.Language and culture
Clearly, language is the most visible component of signed language interpreting. Language is temporally and socially defined; based on perceptions and evolving semantics, words and signs can change rapidly. Let’s understand the etymologies of signed languages and manual codes and discuss how they can be pronounced and produced.
Here are some learning outcomes of which we might want to be aware:
- What roots and overlaps do sign language, American Sign Language, and other spoken languages share?
- Where did manual codes of English (MCEs) originate and how are they produced?
- How is jargon (situational language) manifest in interpreting events? How do interpreters learn these signs?
Readings/Discussions
Chapter 7 (pp. 105–118) Required
Handout (Stringham) Required
A comparative language continuum demonstrating the overlapping relationship of American Sign Language and English which results in manually coded English (MCE) forms and approaches (PSE, CASE, SSS, SimCom, TC, etc.). Identifies and briefly describes the most commonly known and/or used languages and MCE forms and approaches.
The Preservation of Sign Language (1913) Required
Clearly, signed language has not always looked like it does today; indeed, the name and politics of “ASL” did not exist until the 1960s. This now-infamous NAD preservation film from 1913 features NAD president George Veditz giving an impassioned presentation on the importance of signed language to Deaf people. Politics aside, how do early 20th century and modern/21st century ASL language and discourse creation differ? What are differences and similarities? Does this impact interpreter practice? (Read the transcription)
Handout (Gustason, 1990)
An article by Gustason (in Bornstein, 1990) examines the origins of the SEE and LOVE MCEs. Particularly helpful in clarifying LOVE and reasons for and myths about SEE creation and usage.
Handout (Bornstein, et al 1983)
The preface to The Comprehensive Signed English Dictionary by Bornstein (1983) explains some of the methodology behind Bornstein and Saulnier’s MCE system. Describes SE’s affixes and rationale behind their sign creation rules.
Origins, Formations, Rules, and (Mis)Usage of ASL Name Signs (Stringham)
Useful Links for Educational Interpreters: RID Region IV
Links to vocabulary building for educational interpreters.