Although the linguistic properties of sign languages, and of American Sign Language (ASL) in particular, are beginning to be studied, little work has been done on the functional properties of sign. Four experiments are reported in which signed messages were subjected to varying amounts of disruption using repetitive temporal interruption. Results…

The study of effects of mode (manual only, manual plus oral, and manual plus oral plus aural) and language (Signed English or American Sign Language) on the comprehension of deaf students (mean age 16 years) found no significant treatment effect for mode of presentation; there was an interaction between languages and mode. (Author/DB)

Two different sign languages are in use by deaf persons in Jamaica. The "urban" variation is very similar to varieties of signing used in the United States, while the "rural" or "country" sign language is marked by use of physical portrayals and emphasis on physical characteristics. (CB)

A review of research concerning reading achievement of prelingually deaf students found that studies comparing signing versus non-signing parents without regard for parental hearing status typically found no relationship between parental method and reading skills. Studies examining specific types of manual communication found a relationship…

The article addresses the use of sign language and drama with young children with such disabilities as mental retardation, aphasia, autism, and other language learning disorders. Examples of activities that integrate creative drama techniques with sign language techniques are offered. (DB)

American Sign Language (ASL) is the natural language of deaf individuals. ASL should be an integral part of every Total Communication program for the deaf. Through ASL, the deaf child can develop into a self-sufficient and proud individual. ASL also contributes to the preservation of the deaf community, its heritage, and its culture. (Author).

Suggestions are offered to help hearing teachers use effective nonverbal techniques in conjunction with signing when communicating information to hearing impaired students. Topics discussed include use of discourse markers, ways of maintaining eye contact, gaining/maintaining student attention, and effective turn-taking. (JW)

Reports an experiment in which 16 deaf adolescents were shown a 10-minute videotaped lecture and were interviewed about its contents. Results indicate that the group which retained the most knowledge of the structure of the material was best able to recall the content of the lecture. (Author/SED)

A reanalysis of 1981 data on teachers' hearing status and ethnic backgrounds and a recent survey of 73 public residential schools for deaf students revealed an extremely small number of Black deaf teachers. Implications of this finding and of differences in Black deaf signs are considered. (CL)

Points out that the prelingually deaf, whose first language is American Sign, need to learn English as a second language (ESL). The teaching methods of ESL have been successful when applied to deaf education, and there is a need for improved coorporation between teachers of the deaf and ESL teachers. (Author/SED)

A precision teaching software approach to individualized sign language instruction for hearing impaired students has been developed that incorporates self control of learning and immediate feedback on error patterns. A simulated interaction is presented to illustrate the approach. (CL)

Two studies examined cross-modal transfer of sign language performance in 11 and 12 children (ages 6-17) with speech, language, or hearing disorders and mild to moderate retardation. Findings indicated that transfer from receptive to productive signing required explicit training, particularly of complex forms. (CL)

Examines the narrative story structure of a short American Sign Language narrative using stylistic analysis plus the structure of pausing in the narrative. (FL)

The linguistic abilities, cognitive abilities, and educational achievements of the deaf are reviewed. Results indicated the deaf are not intellectually deficient, and that many can communicate effectively in sign language. (CS)

Preliminary version of a paper presented at the meeting of the Linguistic Society of America, December 1971. (VM)