Transliteration:Show Me the English

Chapter 6Use of Space

ASL, a visual language, is communicated through a visual

modality.

One area used effectively by transliterators to enhance meaning is the use of space. Thisadds clarity to information by locating objectsin the signing space.

How we use space in transliterating:

Direct address (also called direct discourse)

Subject-object agreement Non-manual markers Listing and comparisons

Direct Address

In ASL direct address is defined as acting out the

role of the character using direct dialogue…also

known as “role-shifting”.

English has both direct and indirect addressand usually a special function for each (Larsen, 1984)

Direct address is most frequently used when telling

stories, jokes and when speaking to children.

ExampleEnglish:

“Mother told Sue she wanted her to clean the house.”

Transliteration:MOTHER TELL SUE I WANT YOU CLEAN HOUSE

But be careful – when voicing signing to English, only use direct

address when appropriate…

Dave signs to you that a “Deaf woman told him MY INTERPRETER GOOD”

How do we voice this??

Subject-Object Agreement

“John gave me the book” “I gave John the book”

“I live in California and my mom lives in New York.

I plan to fly out to visit her next summer.”

Let’s Practice

With a partner decide how to re-structure:

“The teacher has to monitor the reading

Levels of her students. When that student

is assisted at home, studies have shown

that reading levels improve.”

Transliteration and non-manual markers

Non-manual markers are necessary for

appropriate and accurate transliteration.Without

non-manual facial markers, the transliteration

becomes monotone.

I am going to the store will you go with me I want to buy a dress if it is not too late

We can also stop at the bank but we can’t if Suzy doesn’t get here soon I wonder

If my mom will call oh here she is now goodbye.

How do we avoid signing “monotone??”

I am going to the store will you go with me I want to buy a dress if it is nottoo late we can also stop at the bank but we can’t if Suzy doesn’t get here soon I wonder If my mom will call oh here she is now goodbye.

Question markersHead NodBody ShiftEye gazeBody shift

Listing and Comparisons

Transliterators use space for listing and comparing items.

* We can list things using placement (same – side by side) (comparison – across from signer)

* Numbering on non-dominant hand