M01 laws tm4 5700. indd

NAME:
DATE: 
CHAPTER 3 QUIZ 
(continued from previous page)
C. 
Read the original passage. Then read the summary and the statements that follow. 
Write 
yes 
or 
no 
next to each statement.
 Original 
Passage
“Comparing signed to spoken languages is . . . instructive. In general, the grammar 
of sign languages—for example their allowable word orders—do[es] not match those 
of neighboring spoken languages because of their independent development. However, 
contrary to what was (and is still sometimes) believed, sign languages share the richness 
and capacity of spoken languages. The late William Stokoe of Gallaudet College (later 
Gallaudet University) showed that American Sign Language meets the criteria to be 
classifi ed a fully developed language, and changed conventional theory.
“Because of the differences (as well as similarities), the study of sign languages is 
essential to understanding both the shared and the varied aspects of human language. 
It is also signifi cant for developing second language programs that train sign language 
interpreters, and for instructors in deaf education programs.”
Source: National Science Foundation
 
Summary
It is informative to compare signed and spoken languages. There are both differences 
and similarities. Generally, signed languages differ from spoken languages in grammar. 
In contrast, signed languages share the richness and capacity of spoken languages. 
William Stokoe of Gallaudet College (later called Gallaudet University) changed people’s 
thinking when he demonstrated that American Sign Language had all the characteristics 
of a fully developed language. In conclusion, studying sign language is important for our 
understanding of human languages, for training sign language interpreters, and for teachers 
in deaf education programs.