ASL - It's Not All in the Hands
American Sign Language is a unique language that has its own grammar, syntax, and sentence structure. Facial expressions and use of body language play an important part in conveying meaning and grammatical features. When you see someone signing, their mouth movements do not typically match “the word”, but instead are adding to the context. Mouthing morphemes is one way these aspects of the language are shown, serving as adjectival and adverbial modifiers. Thus, students being able to see the face of an interpreter or anyone signing to them is vital. Clear masks can assist in their access to communication.
American Sign Language is a unique language that has its own grammar, syntax, and sentence structure. Facial expressions and use of body language play an important part in conveying meaning and grammatical features. When you see someone signing, their mouth movements do not typically match “the word”, but instead are adding to the context. Mouthing morphemes is one way these aspects of the language are shown, serving as adjectival and adverbial modifiers. Thus, students being able to see the face of an interpreter or anyone signing to them is vital. Clear masks can assist in their access to communication.