LIN 210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Arbitrariness, American Sign Language, Universal Grammar
20 Nov 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Does it have to be spoken? thought from one person to another. Has variable volume, pitch, etc, making it capable of modulation. Some pictograms/symbols can be understood across language. Can be read/understood more quickly than speaking can be heard/understood. Requires use of hands, must be viewed. Provides similar range as speaking for people who physically cannot speak. Requires use of hands and must be viewed. Evaporates/ cannot span time without the assistance of modern technology. Typically, using examples from american sign language to show that: All human linguistic communication bears the same characteristics of design. Using hands and entire body to convey meaning movement of the hands, arms, and body, and facial expressions. Includes combinations of hand shapes, orientation/location of the hands, Do not necessarily resemble the spoken language of the same area. Features of universal grammar are shared by both spoken and signed languages. Signs are arbitrary- same sign, different meaning.
