How to Gloss ASL: Beginner's Guide [2024]

Understanding American Sign Language (ASL) often involves the use of glossing, a method where each ASL sign is represented by its English equivalent to facilitate analysis and documentation. The ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association) advocates for standardized glossing practices that allow educators to effectively convey the nuances of signed languages. For beginners, programs like SignWriting offer alternative ways to document signs, although glossing remains essential for linguistic precision. How to gloss ASL effectively requires a solid understanding of parameters within ASL linguistics to accurately represent each sign's unique characteristics.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a vibrant and complex language with its own unique grammar and structure, distinct from English. Accurately representing ASL in written form is crucial for various reasons, from linguistic analysis to educational purposes. This is where ASL glossing comes in.

ASL glossing serves as a bridge between the visual language of ASL and the written word, enabling us to study, teach, and preserve this rich language. This section will explore the definition, importance, and essential components of ASL glossing. Let's dive in!

What is ASL Glossing?

At its core, ASL glossing is a method of representing sign language in a written format. Instead of directly translating ASL into English, glossing aims to capture the essence and structure of ASL itself.

Think of it as creating a detailed transcription of a signed conversation or narrative. The primary purpose of glossing is to create a readable record of ASL that can be used for analysis, research, and pedagogical purposes.

It provides a way to document and share ASL data with linguists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the language.

Glossing vs. Translation

It's important to distinguish between glossing and translation. While translation adapts ASL into another language (usually English), glossing strives to represent the structure of ASL as faithfully as possible.

In glossing, each sign is typically represented by an English word (or abbreviation) written in uppercase letters. This English word is not necessarily a direct translation, but rather a label that represents the meaning of the sign.

For example, the ASL sign for "cat" would be glossed as CAT, even though the sign encompasses more than just the English word. Glossing prioritizes capturing the ASL structure, while translation focuses on conveying the meaning in another language.

The Importance of ASL Glossing

ASL glossing plays a vital role in various aspects of ASL linguistics, research, and education. Its significance cannot be overstated when it comes to preserving, studying, and learning ASL.

Preservation of ASL Data

One of the most important functions of ASL glossing is the preservation of ASL data. By creating written records of signed conversations, narratives, and performances, glossing ensures that this valuable linguistic data is not lost to future generations.

These glossed texts can be archived, studied, and used to track language change over time. They serve as a repository of ASL knowledge, protecting it from the natural attrition that can occur with oral or visual languages.

Enabling Linguistic Research

ASL glossing is essential for linguistic research. It provides linguists with a standardized way to analyze the grammar, syntax, and semantics of ASL. By examining glossed texts, researchers can identify patterns in ASL sentence structure, verb agreement, and the use of non-manual markers.

This research helps us to better understand how ASL works as a language and how it compares to other languages around the world. Glossing allows linguists to delve deep into the intricacies of ASL and uncover its unique linguistic features.

Supporting ASL Learning

ASL glossing is a valuable tool for ASL learners. It provides a written representation of signs and sentences, which can aid in comprehension and retention. By studying glossed texts, students can improve their understanding of ASL grammar and syntax.

Glossing also helps learners to see how individual signs combine to form meaningful phrases and sentences. It allows them to break down complex ASL structures into manageable parts, making the learning process more accessible and effective.

Essential Components for Accurate Glossing

Accurate ASL glossing requires a solid understanding of several core elements. These components work together to ensure that the glossed text faithfully represents the original signed performance.

While we will delve into these aspects in greater depth in later sections, here's a brief overview:

• Understanding ASL Grammar: A strong grasp of ASL grammatical structure, which differs significantly from English, is paramount.
• Representing Non-Manual Markers (NMMs): Accurately capturing facial expressions, body language, and other NMMs is crucial, as these elements play a vital role in ASL meaning.
• Capturing Spatial Relationships: Understanding how ASL uses signing space to convey spatial relationships and referents is essential for accurate glossing.

These components, along with others, form the foundation of effective ASL glossing. Mastering these elements will enable you to create glossed texts that are both accurate and informative.

Foundational Elements of ASL: Unveiling the Language's Structure

Before diving into the specifics of ASL glossing, it's crucial to understand the fundamental elements that make ASL a unique and expressive language. Just as you'd need to know the alphabet and basic grammar before writing in English, you need a solid grasp of ASL's core features to accurately represent it in gloss.

This section serves as your foundation, exploring grammatical structure, non-manual markers, and the use of signing space, among other key aspects. Let's embark on this journey to unveil the intricacies of ASL!

Core Linguistic Features of ASL

ASL is far more than just a collection of handshapes. It's a complete and complex language with its own grammar, syntax, and nuances.

Understanding these core linguistic features is essential for anyone serious about learning or glossing ASL.

Grammatical Structure

ASL grammar diverges significantly from English grammar. While English typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, ASL often employs a Topic-Comment structure. This means the main topic of the sentence is presented first, followed by a comment or information about that topic.

For example, instead of saying "The cat is sleeping on the mat," you might sign "CAT, MAT, SLEEP." The topic (CAT, MAT) is established first, then the comment (SLEEP) provides information about it. This structure allows for greater flexibility and emphasis.

Another key difference is the use of space. ASL utilizes the signing space to convey grammatical information, such as indicating the location of objects or the relationship between people. Verb agreement can also be shown through movement in signing space.

Facial Expressions and Body Language (NMMs)

Non-manual markers (NMMs) are facial expressions and body language that convey crucial grammatical information in ASL. They're not just emotional expressions; they're an integral part of the language.

Eyebrow movements (raised or furrowed), mouth morphemes (specific mouth shapes), and head nods or shakes can all change the meaning of a sign or sentence. For example, raised eyebrows often accompany questions, while furrowed eyebrows can indicate negation or disapproval.

To properly represent NMMs in glossing, use standard abbreviations above the corresponding sign. For example, if the sign "EAT" is performed with furrowed brows to mean "didn't eat," the gloss would look like this:

fw

EAT

Common NMM abbreviations include "br" for brows raised, "fw" for furrowed brows, "th" for tongue out, and "mm" for mouth morphemes. Paying attention to these details is paramount for accurate glossing.

Signing Space

ASL uses the signing space in front of the signer's body to represent spatial relationships and referents. This space becomes a mental map, allowing signers to create visual representations of locations, objects, and people.

For example, if you're talking about two people, you might assign each person a specific location in the signing space. You can then refer back to those locations throughout the conversation, using indexing (pointing) to indicate who you're talking about.

Locatives (signs that indicate location) are also crucial for conveying spatial information. To indicate the use of signing space in glossing, use indexing and locatives where appropriate. For example, "HOUSE THERE" could indicate a house located in a specific area of the signing space.

Classifier Predicates

Classifier predicates are a unique feature of ASL that combines handshapes with movement to describe objects and their movement in space. Classifiers act like visual verbs, providing detailed information about size, shape, and action.

For example, a "B" handshape might be used to represent a flat object like a table or a piece of paper. By moving the "B" handshape across the signing space, you can describe the movement of that object.

There are different types of classifiers, including semantic classifiers (representing a whole class of nouns, like vehicles) and element classifiers (representing elements like water or fire). When glossing classifiers, describe the handshape and movement as accurately as possible, often using descriptive terms in parentheses after the main sign.

Lexicalized Signs

Lexicalized signs are signs that have evolved from fingerspelling or other sources to become standard signs in ASL. Over time, these signs often undergo changes in handshape, movement, or location, making them distinct from their original forms.

For example, the sign #JOB (often fingerspelled "J-O-B" initially) has become a lexicalized sign with a distinct circular movement. When glossing lexicalized signs, treat them as single units, even if they originated from fingerspelling. So, you would simply gloss it as JOB.

Directional Verbs

Directional verbs are verbs that incorporate the subject and object of the sentence into their movement. The direction of the sign's movement indicates who is doing the action and who is receiving it.

For example, the verb "GIVE" can change direction to indicate who is giving to whom. To gloss this, indicate the directionality using subscripts. "GIVE_{(A to B)}" means "A gives to B." Understanding and accurately glossing directional verbs is crucial for capturing the nuances of ASL grammar.

Manual Alphabet (Fingerspelling)

Fingerspelling is a manual representation of the English alphabet used in ASL. It's used for various purposes, including spelling out proper nouns (names, places), technical terms, or words for which there is no established sign. However, overuse of fingerspelling is discouraged.

When glossing fingerspelled words, use all capital letters with hyphens between each letter (e.g., J-O-H-N). Alternatively, you can use the prefix "FS-" followed by the word in all caps (e.g., FS-JOHN). Be consistent with your chosen convention.

If a fingerspelled word is repeated frequently in a signed text, it might be acceptable to create an abbreviation. For example, if the name "Jennifer" is fingerspelled repeatedly, you could introduce the abbreviation "JENNIFER (JF)" at the first instance.

Locatives

Locatives are signs that indicate location, spatial relationships, and movement within the signing space. They provide information about where things are situated or how they move in relation to other objects or locations.

These signs are crucial for constructing clear and detailed descriptions of spatial environments. For instance, signs like "ON," "UNDER," "NEXT-TO," and "FAR" are all examples of locatives.

When glossing locatives, accurately represent their position and direction. You can use descriptive terms in parentheses to clarify the spatial relationship. For example, "BOOK ON TABLE" could be further clarified as "BOOK ON_{(surface of)} TABLE". This provides a more precise representation of the signed information.

Glossing Conventions and Best Practices: Mastering the Art of Written Representation

This section delves into the core conventions that govern ASL glossing, transforming it from a simple transcription into a powerful tool for understanding and analyzing signed language.

We’ll explore the building blocks, from basic elements like uppercase letters and hyphens to more advanced techniques like representing role shifting and incorporating contextual information. Think of this as your guide to achieving clarity, accuracy, and consistency in your glossing endeavors.

Basic Glossing Conventions

These are the foundational rules that form the basis of any well-executed ASL gloss.

Adhering to these conventions ensures that your glosses are easily understood and can be used effectively for a variety of purposes, from linguistic analysis to educational materials.

Uppercase Letters: Representing Individual Signs

In ASL glossing, uppercase letters are the standard way to represent individual signs. This immediately distinguishes the gloss from ordinary written English. Each word in uppercase signifies a distinct sign in ASL.

For instance, the sign for "HELLO" is simply glossed as HELLO, and the sign for "THANK YOU" is glossed as THANK YOU. Keeping it simple and consistent allows for easy recognition.

Hyphens: Connecting Conceptual Units

Hyphens play a crucial role in linking multiple signs that function as a single conceptual unit, often referred to as a compound sign.

This helps to reflect the cohesive meaning of the signed expression. For example, the concept of "parents" is often signed as a combination of "MOTHER" and "FATHER," which would be glossed as MOTHER-FATHER.

Another example would be SISTER-BROTHER to indicate siblings. The hyphen indicates that these signs are presented together to convey one idea.

Plus Sign (+): Representing Blended Signs

The plus sign (+) is used to indicate that two separate signs have been blended into a single, fluid movement. This is common in ASL, where signs can morph or combine to express nuanced meanings.

For example, if the signs for "THINK" and "SAME" are blended together to mean "agree," the gloss would be THINK+SAME. This notation captures the unique fusion of the signs.

Numbers: Representing Numerical Values and Incorporation

Numbers in ASL glossing can be represented in a few ways, depending on how they're used in the signed sentence. For simple numerical values, you can simply use the numeral itself, such as 1, 2, 3.

However, ASL often incorporates numbers directly into certain signs, such as age or time. In such instances, the number is written directly adjacent to the sign. For example, if you mean "3-WEEKS," you would gloss it as such.

It's important to note the distinction between simple number values and incorporated numbers in your gloss.

Abbreviations for Non-Manual Markers (NMMs)

As we covered earlier, Non-manual markers (NMMs) are critical components of ASL, conveying grammatical information and emotional context through facial expressions and body language.

In glossing, we use standard abbreviations to represent these NMMs, placing them above the corresponding sign. Some common examples include:

• br: Brows raised (often used for questions)
• fw: Furrowed brows (often used for negation or disapproval)
• th: Tongue out
• mm: Mouth morpheme

For example, if the sign "KNOW" is performed with raised eyebrows, the gloss would look like this:

br KNOW

Accurately representing NMMs is essential for capturing the complete meaning of an ASL utterance.

Advanced Glossing Conventions

Once you've mastered the basic conventions, you can move on to these more nuanced techniques that add depth and precision to your glosses.

Role Shifting: Capturing Perspective

Role shifting (also known as body shifting) is a technique in ASL where the signer physically shifts their body to represent different characters or perspectives in a narrative.

In glossing, there are a few ways to indicate role shifting. One common method is to use subscripts to denote the character being represented (e.g., "HEAR_{(person A)}," "HEAR_{(person B)}").

Another option is to use different fonts or formatting to visually distinguish each character's dialogue. Consistency in your chosen method is key for readability.

Timing Lines: Indicating Duration and Timing

Timing lines are used to precisely mark the duration of a sign or phrase, providing detailed information about its temporal aspects. This is particularly useful in linguistic analysis to study the rhythm and flow of ASL.

Timing lines are not as common in everyday glossing, but essential for research. To incorporate them, you can use a horizontal line above the glossed text, with markings to indicate the start and end points of the sign or phrase.

It might look something like this:

SIGN

Consult linguistic resources for the precise notation.

Contextual Information: Enhancing Clarity

Adding contextual information to your glosses can significantly improve their clarity and understandability. This involves providing additional details that might not be explicitly signed but are necessary for interpreting the message correctly.

Contextual information is enclosed in parentheses or brackets to distinguish it from the actual gloss. For example:

• KNOW (the answer)
• GO (to the store)

This is especially useful for clarifying ambiguous signs, identifying the referents of pronouns, or providing cultural background information.

Topicalization

Topicalization is a grammatical structure where the topic of the sentence is placed at the beginning, followed by a comment or information about that topic.

This is a common feature of ASL and should be clearly represented in glossing. To gloss topicalization, simply write the topic first, followed by a comma, and then the rest of the sentence.

For example, in the ASL sentence "BOOK, I READ," the topic is "BOOK," and the comment is "I READ."

The gloss would be: BOOK, I READ. This convention ensures that the reader understands the emphasis and flow of the ASL sentence.

Resources and Tools for Glossing: Expanding Your Knowledge Base

Mastering ASL glossing requires more than just understanding the rules; it demands consistent practice and access to reliable resources. This section serves as your compass, guiding you through the landscape of available tools to enhance your glossing skills. We'll explore online and print dictionaries, tutorials, workshops, and textbooks, providing a curated list to support your journey.

ASL Dictionaries: Your Lexical Foundation

An ASL dictionary is an indispensable tool for any aspiring glosser. However, not all dictionaries are created equal. It's essential to understand their strengths and limitations to choose the best resource for your needs.

Online Dictionaries

The digital age has brought a wealth of ASL dictionaries to our fingertips. These online resources often include video demonstrations of signs, making them incredibly useful for visual learners. Here are a few reputable options:

• ASL University (Lifeprint.com): Created by Dr. Bill Vicars, this comprehensive website offers an extensive ASL dictionary with clear video demonstrations and detailed explanations of sign usage. Its user-friendly interface and wealth of information make it a top choice for beginners and advanced learners alike.

• Handspeak.com: Handspeak provides definitions, example sentences, and variations for a wide range of ASL signs. It also offers insights into the cultural context and history of certain signs. The robust search functionality allows for specific and in-depth explorations.

When using online dictionaries, always consider the source. Look for dictionaries created by reputable ASL educators, linguists, or Deaf organizations.

Print Dictionaries

While online resources offer convenience, print dictionaries can provide a more structured and comprehensive overview of ASL vocabulary. They often include detailed illustrations and grammatical explanations that can be invaluable for understanding the nuances of the language.

Be aware that print dictionaries may become outdated more quickly than online resources, as ASL, like any living language, is constantly evolving.

Online ASL Glossing Tutorials and Workshops

Supplementing dictionaries with tutorials and workshops can provide a more practical understanding of glossing techniques. These resources often demonstrate the application of glossing conventions in real-world examples.

Look for tutorials that cover the specific areas you want to improve in, such as representing non-manual markers or capturing role shifting. Keywords like "ASL glossing tutorial", "ASL linguistic analysis", and "sign language transcription" can help you find relevant resources. When exploring content make sure the instructor or organization is qualified.

Many universities and Deaf organizations offer online workshops on ASL linguistics and glossing. These workshops can provide structured instruction and opportunities for interaction with experienced glossers.

ASL Textbooks: Comprehensive Guides to the Language

ASL textbooks offer a holistic approach to learning the language, often including chapters dedicated to glossing principles and techniques. These textbooks provide a solid foundation in ASL grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context, which is essential for accurate glossing.

• "A Basic Course in American Sign Language" (Humphries & Padden): This widely used textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to ASL, including a detailed explanation of glossing conventions. It's a valuable resource for understanding the underlying structure of ASL and how to represent it in written form.

When selecting an ASL textbook, look for one that includes exercises and activities to practice your glossing skills.

By utilizing these resources and tools, you'll be well-equipped to expand your knowledge base and refine your ASL glossing abilities. Remember that consistent practice and a willingness to learn are key to mastering this valuable skill.

Cultural Considerations: Respecting Deaf Culture in Glossing

Accurate ASL glossing goes beyond simply transcribing signs. It requires a deep understanding and unwavering respect for Deaf culture, which profoundly influences language use and interpretation. This section explores why cultural sensitivity is paramount in glossing, and provides guidance on how to ensure respectful and accurate representation of ASL.

Why Deaf Culture Matters in ASL Glossing

ASL is not merely a visual equivalent of English; it's a complete language with its own intricate grammar, syntax, and rich cultural context. Deaf culture shapes how ASL is used, understood, and valued. Ignoring this cultural dimension inevitably leads to inaccurate and potentially disrespectful glosses.

Think of it this way: Language is inseparable from culture. Glossing without cultural awareness is like trying to understand a joke without knowing the punchline – you might get some of it, but you'll miss the deeper meaning and significance.

Understanding Deaf culture is paramount to understanding ASL.

The Nuances of Sign Meaning

Cultural nuances heavily influence sign meaning and interpretation. What might seem like a straightforward sign can carry subtle cultural connotations that are easily missed by those unfamiliar with Deaf culture.

For example, the intensity of a facial expression, the speed of a sign, or the use of signing space can all convey different meanings depending on the cultural context. These subtleties are crucial to capture in glossing to accurately represent the intended message.

Pay close attention to context and cultural cues.

Consulting with the Deaf Community

When glossing ASL materials, consulting with Deaf individuals and communities is not just recommended – it's essential. Their firsthand knowledge and cultural insights are invaluable in ensuring accuracy and avoiding misinterpretations.

This collaborative approach not only improves the quality of the gloss but also demonstrates respect for Deaf people as the experts of their own language and culture. Engage them, ask questions, and value their input. Their feedback is essential.

Deaf people are the experts on their language and culture.

Avoiding Culturally Insensitive Practices

Certain glossing practices, if not approached with sensitivity, can be culturally insensitive or even offensive. Here are a few key considerations to avoid:

• Using English-centric interpretations: Avoid imposing English grammatical structures or interpretations onto ASL. Remember, ASL has its own unique linguistic rules.
• Ignoring non-manual markers: Non-manual markers (NMMs) are crucial to ASL grammar and meaning. Failing to accurately represent them can significantly alter the message.
• Making assumptions about sign meaning: Don't assume you know the meaning of a sign without understanding its cultural context. If unsure, consult with Deaf individuals for clarification.
• Perpetuating stereotypes: Be mindful of how your glossing might inadvertently perpetuate negative stereotypes about Deaf people or ASL.

Be conscious of the potential impact of your glossing choices.

Prioritizing Respectful Language Representation

Ultimately, the goal of ASL glossing should be to represent the language in a way that honors Deaf culture and promotes understanding. This means prioritizing accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with the Deaf community.

By embracing these principles, you can contribute to a more respectful and inclusive representation of ASL, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Deaf language and culture.

Respect and accuracy are the cornerstones of ethical ASL glossing.

So, that's the gist of how to gloss ASL! It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, with a little practice, you'll be glossing like a pro in no time. Now go forth and start documenting those signs! Happy glossing!