Early Foundations (1960s-1970s):
* Focus on the Structure of Sign: Before the 1960s, sign languages were often seen as "primitive" or lacking in grammatical structure. Pioneers like William Stokoe began to challenge this view, demonstrating the complex linguistic system of American Sign Language (ASL).
* Stokoe's Handshape-Location-Movement System: Stokoe's landmark work introduced the concept of parameters to analyze sign language structure. He identified three main parameters:
* Handshape: The configuration of the hand making the sign.
* Location: The place where the sign is made on the body or in space.
* Movement: The motion of the hand during the sign.
Expansion and Refinement (1980s-present):
* Adding the Parameter of Palm Orientation: Researchers later added the fourth parameter of "palm orientation" (the direction the palm faces). This helped capture the finer details of hand movements.
* The Parameter System as a Tool: The parameter system became widely used in describing sign languages, creating a framework for analyzing grammatical rules, sign variations, and even historical changes in sign languages.
* Beyond the Basics: While the initial focus was on analyzing individual signs, researchers started exploring how parameters interact to create meaning, especially in relation to syntax and morphology.
Ongoing Developments:
* Parameter Theory and Sign Acquisition: The parameter framework has been used to understand how children acquire sign language, particularly how they learn to combine and modify parameters.
* Cross-Linguistic Comparisons: Researchers have used parameters to compare and contrast different sign languages, revealing commonalities and variations across the globe.
* Technology and Parameter Analysis: Technology like motion capture and 3D modeling has enhanced the analysis of sign language parameters, providing new insights into subtle hand and body movements.
Key Takeaways:
* The concept of parameters has been instrumental in understanding the structure and complexities of sign languages.
* While there isn't a single "movement" dedicated to parameters, they have been a crucial tool in sign language research and analysis, shaping our understanding of the field.
* The study of parameters continues to evolve, with new research exploring their applications in different areas like sign language acquisition, historical linguistics, and technology.
It's important to note that the concept of parameters is not without its critics. Some scholars argue that it oversimplifies the complexities of sign language and doesn't fully account for the role of non-manual features (facial expressions, body movements, etc.) in conveying meaning.
Overall, the parameter system has been a significant contribution to the field of sign language linguistics, offering a valuable framework for analyzing and understanding the structure and use of these rich and vibrant languages.