This article presents the results of a microanalysis of sequences when two or more deaf signers overlap. This contribution focuses on "cooperative overlap" - which consists of extended moments of turn-exchanges that move along the unfolding discourse while cohering interlocutors in relation to each other. This aspect of signed…

Hearing native signers often learn sign language as their first language and acquire features that are characteristic of sign languages but are not present in equivalent ways in English (e.g., grammatical facial expressions and the structured use of space for setting up tokens and surrogates). Previous research has indicated that bimodal…

When hearing speakers address a mixed audience of hearing and deaf participants,[1] they have a choice of three methods by which to convey the information in their presentation. They may choose to use English and provide an English-to-ASL interpreter, use ASL and provide an ASL-to-English interpreter, or use simultaneous communication (SimCom).…

Discusses the data from an analysis of Simulataneous Communication, a basically bimodal English with full English being presented in the speech channel and a systematically abbreviated form of English presented in the sign channel. Data suggest that the notion of a bilingual continuum needs to be reconsidered. (SED)

A study examined whether deaf high school students' written English reflects their teachers' use of English sign markers in simultaneous communication by comparing the teachers' signed story with the students' interpretation. The students' output and teachers' input differed only in ways familiar from research on children's imitation and semantic…

Reports on a study of the status of sign language in universities and colleges that offer major concentration in education of the deaf. Results show that there is no standard for or consistency in the place of sign language at schools offering majors in the education of the deaf. (SED)

Reports on a study that tests the hypothesis that simultaneous speech-sign instruction is beneficial for learning for a hearing but language-delayed child. The hypothesis assumes that the child would first demonstrate a preference for sign in labeling vocabulary items but would eventually drop the sign supplement as vocabulary became less…

Teachers were surveyed for their opinions of Signed English and American Sign Language. Of the 85 responses, most felt that deaf children should begin signing as early as possible, use Signed English as their base language, and eventually be bilingual in the sign languages. It was also felt that teachers should be bilingual. (MSE)

Describes a research project intended to develop a description, within a generative model, of British Sign Language grammar, with particular focus on time expressions. (AM)

A review of the research about languages, modes of expression, and usage rules and related cultural, linguistic, physiological, and sociopolitical issues concludes that more research is needed before any one method of communication can be recommended above others for the effective education of deaf children. (134 references) (CB)

A survey of Australian teachers of the deaf and their classroom communicative practices found that many used speech with sign and most used Australasian Signed English, with most able to demonstrate that they could correctly encode the system. (six references) (Author/CB)

Comparison of the effectiveness of presenting information to deaf college students by signing only, interpreter signing and teacher speaking, and teacher signing and speaking failed to show that any one method was superior to the others. (CB)

The differences between Pidgin Sign English and American Sign Language in simultaneity, or the visible presence of two or more linguistic units (manual or nonmanual) co-occurring, are demonstrated. Differences are exemplified in handshape-classifier pronouns, directional verbs, co-occurring manual signs, and nonmanual behavior. (PMJ)

Timing sensitivity (awareness of rhythm of lapsed time), age, and sex were studied as possible predictors of success in hearing adults' learning of sign language. The results of school evaluations revealed that younger hearing adults with a sensitivity for timing learned sign language faster than did other adults. (PMJ)

A review of recent research trends in Italy regarding cognitive and communicative development of deaf children indicates that deaf children's potential for communicative and cognitive growth is enormous. This potential may be realized if provision is made for an educational environment based on a multiple code, gestural communication, spoken…