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Article
Stuttering-Like Behaviors in American Sign Language
Society for American Sign Language Journal
(2018)
Abstract
The general understanding about stuttering is well-established, but its relationship to American Sign Language (ASL) is little understood. While some preliminary research evidence exists to support the notion that stuttering-like behaviors occur among deaf people who know and use ASL on a daily basis, it is best to describe this phenomenon as stuttering-like, based on the level of knowledge obtained to date. This study used a survey-based research design, which included a comprehension set of questions to ask a large number of professionals and nonprofessionals who associate with deaf children and adults about their perceived prevalence of signed language stuttering. This study represents a new step for investigating stuttering-like behaviors in the signed language modality. A 19-item survey was developed and divided into two sections: 1) respondents’ demographic information and ASL knowledge and experience; and 2)
questions regarding stuttering-like behaviors. A majority of the respondents reported that they have observed deaf individuals who ‘stutter’ while signing. These respondents were able to identify with specific atypical behaviors as reported in the literature for the signed language modality. Some of the universal stuttering-like behaviors such as the location of atypical behaviors occurring in the beginning and the middle of an utterance are included in the findings. The respondents also confirmed other behaviors and the impact of communicative settings for deaf signers that are
associated with hearing speakers who stutter.
Keywords
- American Sign Language,
- Deaf People,
- Stuttering,
- Survey
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer 2018
Publisher Statement
Society for American Sign Language Organization
Citation Information
Jody H Cripps, Mark W Pellowski and Ellen Fromm. "Stuttering-Like Behaviors in American Sign Language" Society for American Sign Language Journal Vol. 2 Iss. 1 (2018) p. 21 - 35 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jody-cripps/19/