3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture JEDIUpper Division
Linguistic study of ASL, including the following: phonological features of individual signs (hand shape, orientation, location, movement) and how those features shift when placed in a stream of signs; morphological features of signs, including compounding and lexicalization of finger spelled words; grammar, focusing on typical word orders found in ASL sentences; meaning of signs and how those meanings have shifted over time (as well as how those meanings shift for particular dialects); and typical pragmatic features of conversation in ASL. Knowledge of ASL is required.
Learning Outcomes1Demonstrate increased vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to interact with deaf people accurately in ASL.
2Develop an understanding of the principles of ASL linguistic structure through study of ASL grammar.
3Articulate the differences between ASL and English grammars.
4Demonstrate appropriate structure and pragmatics when interacting with deaf and hard of hearing people.
5Develop an intercultural awareness of the differences between deaf and hearing communities and will learn to adjust their behavior accordingly.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.