-
You must be logged in to Tag Records
Sign Language Diglossia [microform] / William C. Stokoe, Jr
Bib ID 5201284
Format BookBook, MicroformMicroform, OnlineOnline
Author
Stokoe, William C., Jr
 
Online Versions
Description [Washington, D.C.] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1969 
20 p. 
Summary

Charles A. Ferguson's concept of "diglossia" (1959, 1964) is used in analyzing sign language. As in Haitian Creole or Swiss German, "two or more varieties" of sign language are "used by the same speakers under different conditions"--these are here called "High" (H) sign language and "Low" (L) sign language. H sign language is formally taught "Manual English," English words fingerspelled or signed. L is the less prestigious form which is used, for example, in communicating with children or in informal conversations. As in other cases of diglossia, speakers may not be aware of, or may even deny the existence of, two distinct varieties, preferring to believe they use only H. Also as in other forms of diglossia, sign language L is simpler grammatically than H. The bulk of vocabulary of H and L is shared, H having more technical terms and L often being used to explain an idea "in words of one syllable." In applying the phonological analysis of diglossia to sign language, it is necessary to ask if H and L constitute a single "gestemic system" and if this system is common not only to users of sign language but all human communicators. It is concluded that sign language diglossia is a special situation but relatively stable and that this condition should be recognized in teaching sign language to the deaf. The author invites correspondence on this issue, c/o Department of English, Gallaudet College, Florida Ave. and 7th, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002. (JD)

Notes

ERIC Note: Prepublication version.

Reproduction Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive. 
Subjects Bilingualism.  |  English.  |  Finger Spelling.  |  Language Standardization.  |  Language Styles.  |  Language Usage.  |  Manual Communication.  |  Research.  |  Deafness.  |  Diglossia.  |  Language Patterns.  |  Sign Language.  |  Sociolinguistics.  |  Special Education.
Available From ERIC 

In the Library

Request this item to view in the Library's reading rooms using your library card. To learn more about how to request items watch this short online video Help Video.

Details Collect From
mc 2253 ED030086 Newspapers/Microforms Reading Room

Order a copy

- Copyright or permission restrictions may apply. We will contact you if necessary.

Help Video To learn more about Copies Direct watch this short online video Help Video.
close Can I borrow items from the Library?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

close What can I get online?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

close Can I get copies of items from the Library?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.