First Encounters: Repair Sequences in Cross-Signing.

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Psychology
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Human communication typically occurs between speakers of the same language.
• Cross-linguistic communication is possible, particularly through iconic elements in sign language.
• Other-initiated repair (OIR) is a key mechanism for resolving communication breakdowns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how deaf signers with different languages initiate communication.
• To analyze the role of
• try markers
• in other-initiated repair (OIR) sequences.
• To explore the impact of try markers on the efficiency of communication repair.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of other-initiated repair (OIR) sequences in first-encounter sign language interactions.
• Identification and categorization of "try markers" used by signers.
• Measurement of response times in OIR sequences with and without try markers.

Main Results:

• Signers frequently use "try markers" (e.g., repetition, gestural holds, prosodic lengthening, eyegaze) to signal potential communication difficulties.
• Try-marked utterances in the problem source turn (T-1) lead to faster problem-solution turns (T+1).
• These findings suggest proactive anticipation of communication trouble by signers.

Conclusions:

• Signers actively anticipate potential misunderstandings and use "try markers" to facilitate communication repair.
• Heightened meta-linguistic awareness aids in navigating communication at the limits of shared language.
• Iconic affordances in sign language play a crucial role in enabling cross-linguistic communication and repair.