Specialized Communication Modalities and Linguistic Diversity Flashcards
7 cards from real CDI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Specialized Communication Modalities and Linguistic Diversity flashcards as text
What is Black American Sign Language (Black ASL)?
Answer: A distinct variety of ASL that developed in historically segregated Black Deaf schools
Black ASL developed as a distinct dialect due to the segregation of Deaf schools in the South prior to the 1960s, resulting in unique vocabulary, grammar, and cultural norms.
How does Black ASL typically differ from mainstream ASL in terms of signing space?
Answer: Black ASL uses a larger signing space and more two-handed signs
Research by Ceil Lucas and colleagues found that Black ASL signers tend to use a larger signing space and have a higher proportion of two-handed signs compared to white ASL signers.
What is a 'home sign' system, and how should a CDI approach a consumer who uses one?
Answer: An idiosyncratic gestural system developed without formal sign language input; the CDI should work closely with the consumer to establish shared meaning
Home signs are self-developed gestural systems with no formal sign language base; the CDI must take time to establish shared referents and meaning with the consumer rather than imposing a formal sign system.
What is International Sign (IS), and in what context would a CDI most likely encounter it?
Answer: A contact variety of signing used in international Deaf events and conferences among signers of different national sign languages
International Sign is a contact variety—not a fully standardized language—used at events like Deaflympics and World Federation of the Deaf congresses where Deaf individuals from many countries communicate.
When a CDI encounters a Deaf consumer with minimal language skills (MLS), which approach is most appropriate?
Answer: Use gesture, mime, drawing, and simplified signs to establish shared meaning and facilitate communication
Consumers with MLS have limited exposure to any formal language, so CDIs must use multi-modal strategies—gesture, mime, drawing, and basic signs—to bridge the communication gap.
Which of the following best describes 'contact signing' (sometimes called Pidgin Signed English or PSE)?
Answer: A blend of ASL signs and English word order that emerges when ASL users interact with English speakers
Contact signing emerges at the interface between ASL and English, borrowing ASL signs but often following English word order and incorporating English features, and is not a fully independent language.
Why is it important for a CDI to have awareness of regional sign language variations within the United States?
Answer: Different regions may have distinct signs for the same concept, and misunderstanding regional signs can impede accurate message transfer
ASL has documented regional variation in vocabulary and phonology; a CDI who is unaware of local signs used by the consumer may misinterpret or mistranslate crucial information.
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