Title

Narrative⁄Story Structure, Pausing, and American Sign Language

Authors

James Paul Gee, Boston University
Judy A. Shepard-Kegl PhD, University of Southern MaineFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1983

Publication Title

Discourse Processes

Abstract

The nature of narrative in American Sign Language (ASL) is investigated, noting particular devices used for expressive & aesthetic purposes. Narrative/story structure of a short narrative is examined using stylistic analysis & structure of pausing in the narrative. It is argued that pause data directly reflect the narrative/story structure of the text. Primary narrative was signed by a deaf native user of ASL & collected & transcribed by deaf users of ASL. A hierarchical tree structure is developed from pause data reflecting parts of narrative & their relationship to one another. It is suggested that the methodology offers a different approach to the study of narrative, story structure, & stylistics.

Recommended Citation

Gee, James Paul and Shepard-Kegl, Judy A. PhD, "Narrative⁄Story Structure, Pausing, and American Sign Language" (1983). Faculty Publications. 49.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/linguistics-papers/49