Seeing Language in Sign: The Work of William C. Stokoe

by Jane Maher, Oliver Sacks

Overview

In 1955 William C. Stokoe arrived at Gallaudet College (later Gallaudet University) to teach English where he was first exposed to deaf people signing. While most of his colleagues dismissed signing as mere mimicry of speech, Stokoe saw in it elements of a distinctive language all its own. Seeing Language in Sign traces the process that Stokoe followed to prove scientifically and unequivocally that American Sign Language (ASL) met the full criteria of linguistics—phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and use of language—to be classified a fully developed language.

     This perceptive account dramatically captures the struggle Stokoe faced in persuading the establishment of the truth of his discovery. Other faculty members ridiculed or reviled him, and many deaf members of the Gallaudet community laughed at his efforts. Seeing Language in Sign rewards the reader with a rich portrayal of an undaunted advocate who, like a latter-day Galileo, pursued his vision doggedly regardless of relentless antagonism. He established the Linguistics Research Laboratory, then founded the journal Sign Language Studies to sustain an unpopular dialogue until the tide changed. His ultimate vindication corresponded with the recognition of the glorious culture and community that revolves around Deaf people and their language, ASL.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781563684708
Publisher:	Gallaudet University Press
Publication date:	04/06/2010
Edition description:	1st Edition
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jane Maher is Assistant Professor, Basic Education Program, Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY.

Table of Contents

Foreword Oliver Sacks ix

Acknowledgments xvii

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 6

Chapter 2 24

Chapter 3 40

Chapter 4 58

Chapter 5 79

Chapter 6 101

Chapter 7 131

Chapter 8 161

Notes 179

Index 191

Editorial Reviews

Traces the process that Stokoe followed to prove scientifically that American Sign Language (ASL) meets the full criteria of linguistics to be classified as a fully developed language. Describes the initial negative response to his work and the eventual recognition of ASL as a language. Includes b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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