ASL Initialization Quiz

What is initialization in American Sign Language (ASL)?

• The process of using the ASL fingerspelled letter as the handshape for a sign

• The process of using the ASL fingerspelled letter as the movement for a sign

• The process of using the ASL fingerspelled letter as the location for a sign

• The process of using the ASL fingerspelled letter as the orientation for a sign

Why is overuse of initialization frowned upon by the Deaf Community?

• Because it is considered a form of Signed English

• Because it adds unnecessary complexity to signing

• Because it is not a natural part of ASL

• Because it is difficult for beginners to understand

When is it acceptable to initialize a sign in ASL?

• When there is no existing non-initialized sign for the concept

• When the initialized sign is easier and more efficient to produce

• When the initialized sign has a long history of usage in ASL

• When the initialized sign is popular among leaders or celebrities

Why is the initialized sign for RED not acceptable in ASL?

• Because it is competing with the sign for PINK

• Because it is not commonly used by Deaf people

• Because it is considered a form of Signed English

• Because it is difficult for beginners to learn

Why is the initialized sign for NURSE considered efficacious in ASL?

• Because it is easy to understand and distinguish from other signs

• Because it is commonly used by Deaf people

• Because it is a natural part of ASL

• Because it is associated with the sign for DOCTOR

What is the recommended approach for beginners when learning initialized signs in ASL?

• Find a commonly used sign by Deaf people and stick with it

• Learn all the initialized signs to have a comprehensive understanding

• Avoid using initialized signs altogether

• Create new initialized signs based on personal preference

What are some factors that determine the acceptance of an initialized sign in ASL?

• Historical prevalence, lack of existing non-initialized sign, utility and economy of movement

• Zeitgeist and social currency, political correctness, mouth morpheme linkage

• Phonesthesia differentiation, iconicity preference, same sentence homonym distinctions

• Semantic range distinction, stigmatization avoidance, language borrowing

Why do languages borrow signs from other languages?

• To clarify the meaning of the sign

• To incorporate new lexicon into the language

• To create a sense of belonging and identity

• To make the language more complex and diverse

What is the role of initialized signs in ASL?

• To make the language more similar to English

• To differentiate between homonyms in ASL

• To simplify and clarify the meaning of signs

• To create a sense of cultural identity

What should ASL teachers consider when teaching initialized signs?

• The regional variations and preferences of Deaf adults

• The historical usage and acceptance of the initialized signs

• The opinions of experts and sign informants

• The personal preferences of the students