The Anatomy of American Sign Language

There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Shayla Spears - Graduate Student - Speech, Language Pathology, Ohio University; Brihana Joseph - Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences major (senior), Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, Ohio University; Brenna Downing - Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences major (senior), Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, Ohio University; Kevin Swails - Graduate Student - Speech, Language Pathology, Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, Ohio University

Abstract Body : More than one million individuals in the United States use sign language as their primary language. American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex visual language that consists of its own grammatical structure and phonological rules that are distinct from spoken languages, including the use of the following: hand shape, location, palm orientation, movement, and facial expression/non-manual signals. Majors in hearing, speech and language sciences (HSLS) at our institution are in a unique position as they enroll in body donor prosection anatomy and neuroanatomy lab courses, may take up to three full years of ASL, and can pursue a professional deaf resources liaison certificate. The purpose of our investigation was to examine HSLS student’s knowledge of human anatomy involved in production and comprehension of ASL.

We implemented novel experience connecting required anatomy and ASL classes. We assessed immediate recall of 1) brachial plexus and 2) facial expression anatomy. Four cohorts (N=120) engaged in two gross anatomy labs completing a prelab quiz, viewed a short video of anatomy lab, engaged in a 30-min prosection anatomy learning lab experience, followed by post-lab quiz and exit survey for each lab. Pre-posttest pairwise comparisons were computed.

Mean scores on a 10-point brachial plexus posttest, 5.94±2.1 were statistically greater (t₁₁₉=-0.003; p<0.05) than the pretest, 3.66±1.5. Mean scores the facial muscle-nerve posttest, 7.14±1.6, were significantly higher (t₁₁₉=-3.089; p=0.05) than pretest, 3.70±1.8. Students reported this about the experience: There is just as much anatomy for sign language as there is for spoken languages; I found this lab to be very interesting and has sparked my ASL interest even more; The learning experience was comprehensive—we not only learned the muscles of facial expression, but also how they function in ASL; I had not seen a donor’s face until today, new appreciation for them and their families; Taking both ASL and human anatomy, I didn’t realize that you could learn about both in one class. I find the overlap very amazing!

Our data indicated an increased immediate recall of brachial plexus and facial expression anatomy following these unique lab experiences. These deep-learning experiences presented opportunities for greater understanding of the human condition, increased professional awareness, and amplified personal reflection related to the d/Deaf community who communicate through ASL.

Effective use of language for communication is requisite for a broad understanding of human connection and the human condition. We present this as a model supporting our institution’s vision for diversity and inclusion involves celebrating all members of our university community and broadening our collective understanding.