A Short Introduction to Heritage Signers

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: A Short Introduction to Heritage Signers
Language: English
Authors: Pichler, Deborah Chen, Lillo-Martin, Diane, Palmer, Jeffrey Levi
Source: Sign Language Studies. Spr 2018 18(3):309-327.
Availability: Gallaudet University Press. 800 Florida Avenue NE, Denison House, Washington, DC 20002-3695. Tel: 202-651-5488; Fax: 202-651-5489; Web site: http://gupress.gallaudet.edu/SLS.html
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Deafness, American Sign Language, Sign Language, Native Language, Bilingualism, Language Acquisition, Language Usage, Family Environment, Language of Instruction, Syntax, Phonology, Vocabulary, Language Skills
DOI: 10.1353/sls.2018.0005
ISSN: 0302-1475
Abstract: Research interest in heritage speakers and their patterns of bilingual development has grown substantially over the last decade, prompting sign language researchers to consider how the concepts of heritage language and heritage speakers apply in the Deaf community. This overview builds on previous proposals that ASL [American Sign Language] and other natural sign languages qualify as heritage languages for many individuals raised in Deaf, signing families. Specifically, we submit that Codas and Deaf cochlear implant users from Deaf families (DDCI) are heritage signers, parallel to heritage speakers in spoken language communities. We support this proposal by pointing out developmental patterns that are similar across children who are bilingual in a minority home language and a dominant majority language, regardless of modality. This overview also addresses the complex challenge of determining whether unique patterns displayed by heritage speakers/signers in their home language reflect incomplete acquisition, acquisition followed by attrition, or divergent acquisition. The themes summarized in this article serve as an introduction to subsequent papers in this special issue on heritage signers.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1270063
Database: ERIC
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:Research interest in heritage speakers and their patterns of bilingual development has grown substantially over the last decade, prompting sign language researchers to consider how the concepts of heritage language and heritage speakers apply in the Deaf community. This overview builds on previous proposals that ASL [American Sign Language] and other natural sign languages qualify as heritage languages for many individuals raised in Deaf, signing families. Specifically, we submit that Codas and Deaf cochlear implant users from Deaf families (DDCI) are heritage signers, parallel to heritage speakers in spoken language communities. We support this proposal by pointing out developmental patterns that are similar across children who are bilingual in a minority home language and a dominant majority language, regardless of modality. This overview also addresses the complex challenge of determining whether unique patterns displayed by heritage speakers/signers in their home language reflect incomplete acquisition, acquisition followed by attrition, or divergent acquisition. The themes summarized in this article serve as an introduction to subsequent papers in this special issue on heritage signers.
ISSN:0302-1475
DOI:10.1353/sls.2018.0005