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GeorgetownX: Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change

This course describes how we use historical data to demonstrate language change. While earliest indications suggest that the origin of a signed language began as a gestural form, it has evolved as it was handed down.

Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change
4 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

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Starts Apr 19
Ends Dec 31
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Sign Language Science: Factors Contributing to Natural Change

About this course

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In this course, we will explore how language changes over time. We know from documentation that early ASL does not look the same as it does today. The earliest indications suggest that it originated as gesture, but that’s not what people learn today. That’s because, as it was passed down, it evolved and changed. In this course, we will look at the historical data and discuss how the language changed.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Sign Languages, American Sign Language (ASL)

What you'll learn

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  • Describe how ASL looked like in its inception
  • Describe influences on the grammar of ASL by consistent contact with the English language
  • Describe syntax and morphology in early ASL
  • Describe what scholars of 19th century ASL know about ASL grammar
  • Compare trends of change along the timeline of ASL evolution

This course is part of American Sign Language Science Professional Certificate Program

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Expert instruction
4 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Ways to take this course

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Certificate

Free

Price

$129 USD

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Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on May 17

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Graded assignments and exams

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