Research over the past two decades has shown that signed languages conform to the same grammatical constraints and exhibit the same linguistic principles found in spoken languages. However, unlike spoken languages, signed languages depend upon high level visual-spatial processes for interpretation. This project investigates the use of physical space to encode linguistic distinctions within American Sign Language (ASL) and builds upon this lab's previous studies of on-line processing in deaf ASL signers. Specifically, the proposed experiments examine the spatialized encoding of a) co-reference and pragmatic contrasts within a discourse and of b) locational contrasts and spatial perspective.

The research will advance our understanding of human language by illuminating the ways in which the sensory modality of a language affects its structure and processing. In addition, the results have clear implications for how ASL is used within an educational setting for the deaf by indicating how signing space can be manipulated to foster the comprehension of complex information. Finally, this project will promote the participation of Deaf people in research, providing an environment and training that facilitate entrance into scientific fields.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
Application #
9809002
Program Officer
Cecile Mckee
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1999-01-01
Budget End
2001-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
$345,000
Indirect Cost
Name
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037