ASL Linguistics Chapter 4C - Semantics PDF

## ASL Linguistics Chapter 4C - Semantics Semantics studies the **meaning** of words, phrases, sentences and discourse. No two **languages** or **signs** associate all the same **meanings** with the same **equivalent word**. Words and signs all have three ways we can consider them. By their (1)...

## ASL Linguistics Chapter 4C - Semantics Semantics studies the **meaning** of words, phrases, sentences and discourse. No two **languages** or **signs** associate all the same **meanings** with the same **equivalent word**. Words and signs all have three ways we can consider them. By their (1) denotations (dictionary definitions), (2) connotations (whether the concept/word is considered positive or negative), and their (3) usage (how, why and when a word/sign is used). ### Multiple meanings (1) (Denotations) Some English words have multiple **meanings**. Our book listed 9 different uses/definitions for the word "strike". Think about the following examples and see if you can come up with a synonym (word or phrase) for the underlined word in each sentence. Write the synonym behind the sentence. #### Sign * Kate is learning to **sign**. * Please **sign** the permission slip before Wednesday. * A dove is a **sign** of peace. * Campaign **signs** were posted all over town. * The **sign** said to take the next exit for the stadium. | Sign | Synonym | |---|---| | Sign | ASL/sign language| | Sign | signature | | Sign | representational | | Signs | printed advertisements | | Sign | large sign on road | #### Ball * Throw the **ball** to Eric! * Cinderella wore a blue dress to the **ball**. * We had a **ball** at the DCS ASL spooky story night. * Ouch! I got a tack stuck in the **ball** of my foot! * The umpire called **ball** four, so the batter took first base. | Ball | Synonym | |---|---| | Ball | round 'toy' | | Ball | dance (fancy) | | Ball | really fun time | | Ball | bottom of foot close to big toe | | Ball | pitcher pitched outside the strike zone | When we convert a **concept** from English to ASL, we do **not** sign the English **meaning** of the English **word.** You have all likely learned a sign for the concept of "blue" (a color). * That sign works in the sentence: "The sky is blue" - color. * That sign does not work in the sentence: "Tyrone felt a little blue yesterday" - **Feeling (Sad)** ### Usually, for each different MEANING of a word, there will usually be a different sign. Go back to the sentences above (SIGN, BALL and blue) and circle the sentence that includes the underlined word that has the same "meaning" as the sign you first learned for that word. ### Like English, ASL signs can have multiple denotations - dictionary definitions. Examples: * **STYLE** - (open-8 on chin) can mean 'style', 'prefer', 'favorite' or 'favor'. * **MARINES** - (Con throat) can mean 'marines', 'choke', or 'carburetor'. Context helps us determine the particular meaning when using these signs. ### Multiple meanings (2) Connotations Connotations are the built-in **positive** or **negative** judgement of a word or sign. Consider: * Overweight vs. **fat** * Angry vs. **pissed off** What are other examples you can think of that demonstrate different connotations of the same **concept**? ### In ASL, connotations are always accompanied by appropriate facial expression. ### Multiple meanings (3) Usage Usage of ASL signs is sometimes **very different** from the usage of its "equivalent" English word. Consider: * ASL sign: **CURIOUS** - can introduce a topic and ask a question. * **WHAT'S-UP** - a greeting and conversation opener ### Question words in ASL ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ask for information. * **WHO** - tell me a **person** * **WHAT** - tell me a **thing** * **WHERE** - tell me a **location** * **WHEN** - tell me a **time** * **HOW** - in what **way** * **WHY** - for what **reason** Can you think of a usage of each of these (in English) that does not ask for information? * Those people who show up early sit where they want. * She told me what they discussed. * Where I live, the mall is close. * When I was a kid… * That’s how I like that. * I will tell you why I went. ### ASL Idioms ASL idioms are **Similar** to English idioms in that they have meaning, but you **can't** always figure out the meaning by analyzing the individual signs. ### Terms of address (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) English has terms of address to demonstrate formality and **politeness** or **get someone's attention**. ASL does not use terms of address and formality and politeness are accomplished other ways. This is an important concept to understand. Members of the Deaf community share a culture (Deaf culture) that is often different than mainstream 'American' (or 'hearing') culture. When you were young, your parent or a teacher may have required you to address someone as 'Mr. Washington' or 'Mrs. Sotowan', to be polite. Just because ASL and Deaf culture does not typically use these terms of address **does not** mean they are impolite. 'Politeness' is accomplished in other ways. ### Restricted usage Some signs are predominately used by a smaller **number** or **group** of people. Restricted usage can be based on region, gender, age, or politeness; which is true of both ASL and English. Think of and list additional examples of restricted usage in English based on: * **Region**: (In Boston, you might hear someone say, "She is wicked smart!") * **Gender**: (Sometimes the term 'pretty' is used for young girls, whereas 'handsome' is sometimes used for boys.) * **Age**: (YOLO, LOL, yeet, hella – think of terms you and your friends use that your parents or grandparents would likely not understand.) * **Politeness**: ('Excuse me.' - to get someone's attention.)