Related Experiment Videos
Iconicity and sign vocabulary acquisition
H L Beykirch1, T A Holcomb, J F Harrington
1Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Northern Iowa.
American Annals of the Deaf
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Beginning sign language learners find iconic signs easier to learn and remember. This study found iconic signs improved learning and retention compared to abstract or opaque signs.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Education
Background:
- Sign language acquisition involves learning vocabulary with varying degrees of visual transparency.
- Understanding factors influencing vocabulary learning is crucial for effective sign language pedagogy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how sign classification (iconic, opaque, abstract) affects learning and retention of isolated sign vocabulary.
- To compare the efficacy of computer-assisted instruction versus videotaped presentations in sign language learning.
Main Methods:
- 28 hearing college students naive to sign language participated.
- Participants were trained on 30 American Sign Language signs classified as iconic, opaque, or abstract.
- Training utilized computer-assisted instruction and videotaped presentations.
Main Results:
- Significantly different performance scores were observed across the three sign types.
- Iconic signs consistently yielded higher performance scores, irrespective of the training medium.
- Videotaped presentation resulted in the most consistent scores among participants.
Conclusions:
- Iconic signs are easier for novice sign language learners to acquire and retain.
- The visual transparency of a sign impacts its learnability.
- Instructional media can influence the consistency of learning outcomes in sign language acquisition.