CASLI ASL Linguistics 2

Question 1

Which parameter of ASL signs refers to the orientation of the palm during sign production?

Accepted Answer

Palm orientation

Answer

Palm orientation is the fourth parameter distinguishing ASL signs, describing which direction the palm faces during articulation.

Question 2

In ASL, the concept of 'classifier predicates' primarily functions to:

Accepted Answer

Represent entities and describe their movement or location

Answer

Classifier predicates use specific handshapes to represent categories of objects and describe how they move or are spatially located.

Question 3

What term describes the simultaneous layering of morphemes in ASL, such as modifying a verb's movement while also changing its location?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous morphology

Answer

Simultaneous morphology in ASL allows multiple meaning components to be expressed at the same time within a single sign rather than sequentially.

Question 4

The ASL sign for 'TRAIN' is created by rubbing two U-handshapes together. This is an example of which phonological process?

Accepted Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Assimilation occurs when a sign's parameters are influenced by neighboring signs; however, TRAIN's repeated rubbing movement is better described as a compound structure, though repetition can signal assimilation-like reduplication.

Question 5

Which type of ASL sentence structure places the topic first and then comments on it?

Accepted Answer

Topic-Comment structure

Answer

Topic-Comment structure is a dominant feature of ASL syntax where the topic is established first and the comment follows, often marked by non-manual signals.

(CASLI) Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation Practice Test

(CASLI) Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation Practice Test

CASLI ASL Linguistics 2