Revised 3/2012

INT 142 - ASL Discourse Analysis (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces to the study of language and communication between Deaf and hearing clients. Focuses on the features of language use and their impact on communication success in American Sign Language and spoken English. Lecture: 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To analyze the discourse rules for American Sign Language and spoken English in the United States. To compare and contrast these rules, determine the implications to successful communication, and examine strategies used by interpreters to mediate these differences.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

ASL 202.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an awareness of context and situation and describe their impact on discourse.
  • Compare and contrast a variety of discourse features in ASL and English.
  • Analyze conversational strategies, such as turntaking, in ASL and English language samples.
  • Apply principles of discourse analysis to various scenarios.
  • Construct strategies for acting as a cultural mediator between Deaf and hearing participants in a conversation through the role of interpreter.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Turntaking strategies in ASL and English users
  • False starts and repairs
  • Discourse markers in ASL and English
  • Cohesion
  • Involvement strategies for Deaf and hearing people