In ASL, two levels of the four-level langauge model are observable (ie. phonetics, phonology, grammar, and semantics) which are grammar and semantics. Though, I think phonology may be present in the language as well except, instead of particular sounds/sequences of sounds, "words" in the language are composed of specific hand shapes, movements, and even non-manual signals (ie. eyebrow movements, eye movements, head movements, etc.)
In my learning, thus far, I've combined and applied disciplinary perspectives from applied linguistics and sociolinguistics to learn sign, but a greater emphasis has been placed on sociolingusitic application. Like any language, ASL borrows from other langauges as well and is heavily influenced by the English language. So, relying on sociolinguistics allows me to learn where each sign comes from in relation to certain social factors which enables me to better use signs in the correct context and to remeber them more easily as well. This has especially been helpful when it comes to correctly using the non-manual signals I mentioned as they are even more important in ASL than they are in my native English language. Moving forward however, I hope to utilize other disicplinary perspectives as well, as I do beleive they are all of equal importance and will enable me to more easily and meaningfully achieve the goals outlined in my learning plan. Anthropological lingustics and literature I believe ill be especially important when it comes to ASL because of the fact deaf culture was largely villianized/erased for the years, resulting in a stark difference in sign "styles" in the community. Being mindful of this in my learning through the use of these other disciplinary categories will help me learn to identify these "styles" and alter my own "style" so that I may still communicate within the community about such important issues, like education, that affect all deaf and hard of hearing community members.
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