Attitudes and ideologies of deaf signers toward American Sign Language structure

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates Deaf signers’ perceptions and usage of word order in American Sign Language (ASL), focusing on the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) ideology. Through interviews with 10 Deaf participants, the study explores their views on the ideology that ‘ASL is a SOV language’ and examines their preferences for SOV versus SVO word orders in ASL. These preferences are analyzed in relation to participants’ educational backgrounds, family contexts, and exposure to ASL. Regardless of their diverse experiences, the belief in ASL's SOV structure remains prevalent among the participants. However, the findings highlight the complex interplay between language ideology and practical usage, revealing nuances in ASL's everyday application. This dynamic nature of ASL usage intersects with linguistic norms, cultural beliefs, and communication practices within the Deaf communities. Despite strong ideological attachment to ASL's SOV structure, personal beliefs do not seem to always fully align with language in daily life.