Signs of Change: William Stokoe's Research into American Sign Language

Summary

This video highlights the revolutionary contributions of William Stokoe, the 'Father of Sign Language,' in recognizing American Sign Language (ASL) as a legitimate and complex language. Through his groundbreaking research at Gallaudet College in the 1950s and 1960s, Stokoe proved that ASL was not merely a collection of gestures but a fully developed language with its own grammar and syntax. Despite facing skepticism from both the Deaf community and academic circles, Stokoe's work empowered Deaf individuals, leading to greater cultural pride, advocacy, and recognition. His legacy continues to influence Deaf rights, education, and representation today.

Takeaways

• 😀 William Stokoe is widely regarded as the 'Father of American Sign Language' (ASL) for his groundbreaking research and advocacy.
• 😀 American Sign Language (ASL) was officially recognized as a legitimate language in 1965, thanks to Stokoe's work.
• 😀 Before Stokoe, Deaf culture and ASL were largely marginalized, with oralism (emphasis on lip-reading) dominating Deaf education.
• 😀 Stokoe's research at Gallaudet University focused on the linguistic properties of ASL, showing it was not just a series of gestures but a complex language.
• 😀 Stokoe's 1960 publication *Sign Language Structure* was the first formal linguistic study of ASL, despite initial resistance from academia.
• 😀 Stokoe's Dictionary of American Sign Language, co-published in 1965, cataloged signs based on their linguistic components (shape, movement, and location).
• 😀 The phrase 'American Sign Language' was coined during Stokoe's research, which marked a major milestone in recognizing ASL as its own language.
• 😀 Stokoe faced hostility from both the hearing community and within the Deaf community for challenging long-standing beliefs about language and Deaf education.
• 😀 His work led to the empowerment of the Deaf community, providing them with a cultural and linguistic identity to be proud of.
• 😀 Stokoe's advocacy contributed to significant social and legislative changes, including the *Deaf President Now* movement at Gallaudet University and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

Q & A

What is the main contribution of William Stokoe to the Deaf community?

William Stokoe is credited with proving that American Sign Language (ASL) is a legitimate, complex language, which revolutionized how Deaf people and their language were viewed. His research established ASL as a valid linguistic system, leading to its acceptance in academic and social contexts.

How did Stokoe challenge the existing views on Deaf education in the 1950s and 1960s?

Stokoe challenged the dominant oralist approach to Deaf education, which prioritized speech and lip-reading over sign language. He recognized that Deaf students were not being effectively educated and advocated for the acceptance of ASL as a valid means of communication, which he believed would empower Deaf individuals.

What was the response to Stokoe’s 1960 publication, *Sign Language Structure*?

Stokoe's *Sign Language Structure* was met with significant resistance and hostility, particularly from the special education and academic communities. Many people rejected the idea that sign language could be a legitimate linguistic system, and Stokoe faced criticism for his unconventional approach.

What are the key components that Stokoe identified in ASL signs?

Stokoe identified three key components in ASL signs: 'dez' (the shape of the hands), 'sig' (the movement of the hands), and 'tab' (the location of the signs). These components formed the basis of his linguistic analysis and were crucial for organizing ASL in a systematic way.

What was the significance of the *Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles*?

The *Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles* was groundbreaking because it was the first comprehensive linguistic analysis of ASL. It used a system called Stokoe notation to document signs based on their components, further establishing ASL as a legitimate language and marking the first formal use of the term 'American Sign Language.'

How did Stokoe's work influence the recognition of Deaf culture and identity?

Stokoe's work helped the Deaf community gain recognition for their language and culture. By proving that ASL was a true language, he empowered Deaf people to take pride in their identity, which contributed to the Deaf Pride movement and broader societal acceptance of Deaf culture.

What role did Stokoe play in the eventual shift in educational practices for Deaf students?

Stokoe advocated for a more inclusive and flexible approach to Deaf education, which included the use of sign language alongside lip-reading and auditory training. His work laid the foundation for a more holistic approach to Deaf education, emphasizing communication methods that catered to the needs of individual students.

What was the impact of Stokoe's work on the *Deaf President Now* movement at Gallaudet University?

Stokoe's research and advocacy for Deaf culture and language helped inspire the *Deaf President Now* movement at Gallaudet University. The movement, which called for a Deaf president to lead the university, was a significant moment in Deaf history, symbolizing the empowerment of Deaf people and their ability to advocate for their own leadership.

How did Stokoe's research contribute to the recognition of ASL as a fully developed language?

Stokoe’s research demonstrated that ASL had its own complex grammatical structure, distinct from English, and was capable of expressing abstract ideas. This linguistic validation, along with his detailed dictionary and notation system, helped establish ASL as a fully recognized language in both academic and cultural contexts.

What did Stokoe believe about the role of hearing people in Deaf education?

Stokoe believed that Deaf individuals should not have to assimilate into the hearing world to succeed. He advocated for a system that recognized Deaf people’s unique cultural and linguistic identity, supporting a simultaneous communication approach that allowed Deaf students to use ASL alongside other methods like lip-reading and auditory training.