29/08/23 - Pia Simper-Allen (Stockholm University) & Carl Börstell (University of Bergen)

Abstract: Languages exhibit variation, which may reflect, e.g., ethnic, geographic, social or age- or gender-based differences among language users. Sign languages have been shown to exhibit such variation (e.g. lexical variation), sometimes on the basis of (historical) differences between schools for the deaf, giving rise to school-based ”dialects”. In this presentation, we present some findings from a pilot study on lexical variation in Swedish Sign Language (STS; svenskt teckenspråk) from a combined in-person/interview and online questionnaire with a diverse group of participants responding to their signs for different concepts within certain domains (e.g. colors, numbers, place names) – data collected by Pia Simper-Allen, Eira Balkstam and Thomas Björkstrand. The preliminary findings suggest some leveling (convergence of forms = less variation) among younger age groups, at least for some domains. 

The seminar takes place via Zoom. The PowerPoint will have text in English and Norwegian, while the presentation will be in IS and spoken English. English to NTS interpretation will be provided. The talk will be from 12:00 to 13:00 and is preceded by our weekly sign lunch at HVL from 11:15 to 12:00.

To receive the Zoom link to connect, please send an email to Ari Price (jupr@hvl.no) to be added to the mailing list.