Chapter 12
Language variation and standardization

Assignment 1

Name four factors that can play a part in variation in sign languages and give an example for each of the four factors.

  1. Region: see chapter for examples, but provide examples from your own sign language. See also the Auslan on-line dictionary (www​.auslan​.org​.au/) where regional variants are indicated.

  2. Gender: in many Deaf communities, schooling is (or was) organized according to gender, so this may lead to (mostly lexical) differences. This was the general case in Ireland, for example, but not in South Africa.

  3. Age: see chapter for examples, but also try to find examples from your own sign language. Changes in educational systems may play a role, but also technical developments.

  4. Situation: differences between a formal and informal situation. Use an example from your own sign language.