Symmetrical signs were acquired significantly faster than were asymmetrical signs, and touch signs were acquired significantly faster than were nontouch signs. Results of the acquisition of iconic v abstract signs were inconclusive. (Author)

Aspects considered include whether and when to initiate auxiliary communication skill instruction, which auxiliary communication systems should be taught, which vocabulary items should comprise the initial communication content, and what instructional considerations should be made when attempting to teach auxiliary communication skills to severely…

The manual teaches SignFont, a written form of sign language. Following a brief introduction, the first of three major sections describes the SignFont alphabet, structured according to the parts of every sign that is written (handshape, action area, location, movement). The second section discusses in greater detail how the SignFont characters are…

The manual examines ways in which nonprofessional group home health care workers can enhance the communication and interaction skills of developmentally disabled clients. The communication process is explored in terms of information exchange, both verbal and nonverbal. Examples of vocal, nonvocal, and echolalic speech are offered and suggestions…

Experiments in teaching language or language-like behavior to chimpanzees and other primates may bear on the problem of the origin of language. Evidence appears to support the theory that man's first language was gestural. Recent pongid language experiments suggest: (1) a capacity for language is not solely human and therefore does not represent…

Computer graphics representing the alphabet used by deaf persons for manual communication were used in the FINGEX experiment, which measured Ss' ability to read fingerspelled sentences at different rates of speed, and in the CONFUS experiment, which measured similarities between fingerspelled characters by assessing confusion caused by rapid…

The article describes an assessment and instructional strategy for teaching severely handicapped individuals manual communication skills. (DLS)

In the debate over continuities versus discontinuities in the emergence of language, sign language is not taken to be the antithesis, but is presented as the antecedent of spoken languages. (Author/HP)

The historically attested change of two-handed signs on the face to one-handed variants, which occurs in two historically related sign languages, French Sign Language and American Sign Language, is used to test variation theory. The results of the study support viewing languages in a dynamic framework. (AMH)

Results of a 10-week program in which 32 moderately retarded persons (3-19 years old) were taught to use American Indian Sign Language (AMERIND) suggested that AMERIND may be preferable to American Sign Language because of its concreteness and its intelligibility to untrained observers. (CL)

A study involving six institutionalized retarded males was designed to determine if sign-object and sign-word training would lead to acquisition of word-object associations. (Author)

This paper examines the assignment and use of name signs in the deaf community. A total of approximately 450 individual name signs were collected, recorded, and analyzed. (CFM)

The study coded the communicative expressions (using manually coded English) of five 3-year-old deaf children while interacting with their mothers. A large proportion of the expressions consisted of social or imperative intentions while a much smaller proportion were used for heuristic or informational purposes. (Author/DB)