Understanding IS Glossing
* Not ASL: IS glossing is a *representation* of ASL, not ASL itself. It's like using English to write down the meaning of a spoken language.
* Focus on Meaning: IS glossing focuses on conveying the meaning of the signs, not the exact handshapes or movements.
* Simplified Representation: It uses simplified English words and abbreviations to represent signs.
Key Features of IS Glossing
* Capitalization: Signs are usually represented in all capital letters, like "GO" for the sign "go."
* Abbreviations: Commonly used signs have abbreviations, like "WH" for "what" and "Y" for "yes."
* Numbers: Numbers are written as numerals.
* Punctuation: Punctuation is used to indicate pauses, questions, and other grammatical elements.
* Word Order: The order of words in IS glossing often reflects the word order in English, not the natural order of ASL signs.
Example of IS Glossing
ASL Sign: (The signer makes the sign for "dog" and then points to the signer's self.)
IS Gloss: DOG ME
Limitations of IS Glossing
* Missing Visual Information: It doesn't capture the visual elements of ASL, like facial expressions, body language, or the movement of signs.
* Word Order Differences: ASL word order is different from English, so glossing can sometimes be confusing.
* Cultural Context: It doesn't capture the nuances of ASL culture, like the use of classifiers or idioms.
When IS Glossing is Useful
* Note-Taking: For students learning ASL, IS glossing can help with note-taking and remembering sign meanings.
* Teaching Materials: IS glossing is often used in textbooks, worksheets, and other educational materials.
* Transcription: It can be used to transcribe ASL videos or to create subtitles.
Important Note: IS glossing is just one way to represent ASL. While it is a useful tool, it is important to remember that it is not a complete representation of the language.
If you want to learn ASL, it's important to practice signing with native ASL users and learn about the cultural context of the language.