The Sign Linguistics & Language Acquisition Lab (SLLA) has been at the forefront of research and development of instruments to test various aspects of linguistic abilities in signers, most notably looking at the acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL) and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). These testing materials have proved instrumental in understanding the processes involved in language acquisition among sign language users.
The tests developed by the SLLA are grouped according to the application for which they are meant. The lab has successfully designed and implemented various tests that assess sign language skills, such as production, comprehension, and vocabulary knowledge. These tests help researchers understand how sign language users acquire and develop their abilities.
Production Tests
One of the most critical areas of study in sign linguistics has been how signers produce signs. Production tests help researchers understand the timing, accuracy, and fluency of sign production. The SLLA has created various materials for production tests, including picture description, storytelling, and narrative retelling tasks.
Picture description tests involve showing the participant a series of pictures depicting a story or event, and they are required to describe the pictures using ASL or Libras. This allows researchers to study how the participant constructs sentences, selects vocabulary, and creates a coherent narrative.
Storytelling and narrative retelling tasks are similar to picture description tests, but the participant is required to narrate a story. These tests help researchers understand how signers use grammar and syntax to structure narratives, and how they convey characters' emotions.
Comprehension Tests
Another critical area of sign linguistics research is how signers comprehend signed language. The SLLA developed various materials for comprehension tests, including sentence repetition, sentence-picture matching, and word recognition tasks.
Sentence repetition tests ask participants to repeat sentences accurately to test their understanding of grammar and syntax. Similarly, sentence-picture matching requires participants to match a picture to a signed sentence, testing their understanding of sentence meaning.
Word recognition tests involve presenting participants with signs or fingerspelled words, and they are required to recognize them. These tests help researchers understand how signers develop vocabulary and are knowledgeable about their language.
Vocabulary Tests
Finally, vocabulary is a crucial component of any language, and sign language is no different. The SLLA has developed various materials for testing vocabulary knowledge, including signing tests and lexical decision tasks.
Signing tests involve presenting a sign that the participant is required to name correctly. Participants can show signs or provide a verbal response. Lexical decision tasks involve presenting signs or fingerspelled words, and the participant is asked to determine whether the sign represents a real word or a nonsense word.
In conclusion, the SLLA has developed various instruments that have proved essential in studying the acquisition of sign languages like ASL and Libras. These tests in production, comprehension, and vocabulary have enabled researchers to gain insight into how signers develop their linguistic abilities. The SLLA continues to refine its testing materials to make strides in understanding learning and linguistics among sign language users.