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American Sign Language Syntax Essay

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Purpose My research will aim to identify the differences between American Sign Language in everyday conversation and American Sign Language literature, specifically comparing the syntax and imagery within the two. As a comparison, oftentimes in English literature, namely poetry, regular syntax and imagery of the English language are changed or emphasized by the author in order to create a certain literary effect. The goal of my research is to determine whether or not this technique is used in American Sign Language literature, and if it is, I want to determine exactly how it is used. Ever since taking an American Sign Language class my sophomore year of high school, ASL has been a significant part of my life. Although I have been immersed …show more content…
At Boston University, the American Sign Language Linguistic Research Project (ASLLRP) is currently investigating the structure of ASL syntax, among other things that aren’t related to my proposal. One of the papers that addresses the research being done through the ASLLRP is Debra Aaron’s Doctoral dissertation, “Aspects of the Syntax of ASL”. As the title implies, the paper details the syntax of ASL, but only the syntax that is used in formal communication. The paper does not address the syntax used in …show more content…
Because ASL does not have a conventional form of writing, the literature consists of performances of things such as stories, poems and songs. Traditionally, folklore has been passed down “orally” to each generation, but with new technology, ASL literature can now be recorded on video. Because of this, I will be using videos I have found online of popular short stories and poems for my own analysis of ASL literature. I will also use videos of conversations that I have found on educational

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