Signing As Language

The transcript discusses the diversity of languages worldwide, focusing on sign languages and their regional variations. It highlights Bill Stokey's pioneering work in American Sign Language (ASL) and his efforts to create a dictionary based on linguistic principles. The transcript also explores the structural analysis of sign languages, comparing it to spoken languages, and emphasizes the need for further research into the history and geography of deaf communities.

What is a common misconception about sign language?

• It is older than spoken languages.

• It has no structure.

• It is only used by deaf people.

• It is the same everywhere.

What was Bill Stokey's significant contribution to American Sign Language?

• He translated ASL into spoken languages.

• He invented new signs for ASL.

• He published a dictionary based on linguistic principles.

• He created a universal sign language.

How did Bill Stokey categorize signs in ASL?

• By their origin.

• By their meaning.

• By their visual appearance.

• By hand shapes and movements.

What is a key difference between the analysis of spoken and sign languages?

• Sign languages have been studied for longer.

• Spoken languages are less diverse.

• Spoken languages have a more established historical analysis.

• Sign languages are easier to learn.

What is a new area of interest in the study of sign languages?

• The creation of a universal sign language.

• The geography of deaf communities.

• The translation of sign languages into spoken languages.

• The development of new signs.