Signing Rhythm of M2L2 Sign Language Learners

A focus on movement and prosody

Abstract

Movement is a phonological parameter of sign language, and it is considered difficult for learners to acquire. Moreover, the acquisition of prosody is essential for natural signing. In this study, I focused on the movement and prosody of sign language to investigate what errors can be seen when hearing persons learn sign language, which involves visual-gestural modality. Five hearing subjects were shown a silent movie and asked to sign its content. Deaf subjects then pointed out areas they found unnatural and these areas were analyzed. As a result, the following errors were observed: ① Rhythmic breakdown due to excessive use of mouthing, ② Lack of sign lowering and excessive repetition, ③ Repetitive pointing and contact with the non-dominant hand, ④ Loss of non-manual markers, and ⑤ Co-occurring errors of prosodic and non-manual markers, suggesting that the hearing subjects had a peculiar “accent” in regards to their movement and prosody.