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Linguistic Variation, Discourse Analysis, and Deaf Education: Case Studies from ISL
Shirit Cohen-Koka1, Bracha Nir1, Irit Meir1
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education
|September 23, 2022
Summary
This study explores linguistic variation in Israeli Sign Language, showing how signers adapt their language based on narrative versus expository discourse. Findings highlight discourse knowledge for deaf education.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Sign Language Studies
- Discourse Analysis
Background:
- Language variation is key to understanding discourse and linguistic literacy.
- Research on discursively motivated variation in sign languages is limited.
- Understanding sign language variation is crucial for linguistic and educational contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate features of variation in Israeli Sign Language (ISL).
- To analyze variation across two discourse types: narrative and expository texts.
- To examine variation in sign parameters and the use of signing space in ISL.
Main Methods:
- Case studies of two adult signers of Israeli Sign Language.
- Analysis of linguistic variation in narrative and expository discourse domains.
- Focus on sign parameters and spatial grammar features.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in sign parameters and signing space usage were observed between narrative and expository texts.
- Discourse type demonstrably influences linguistic expression in Israeli Sign Language.
- The study identified specific features of variation linked to discourse context.
Conclusions:
- Discourse type significantly impacts linguistic variation in Israeli Sign Language.
- Linguistic literacy in sign language includes adapting to different discourse contexts.
- Educators of deaf students benefit from understanding discourse-based sign language variation.
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