Sign language hints at why languages change over time

Over time, people make changes to languages they use for a pretty simple reason: to make communication easier, a study of American Sign Language suggests.

Boston University • futurity
March 31, 2022 ~6 min

An interactive visual database for American Sign Language reveals how signs are organized in the mind

In American Sign Language, some words rhyme, some look like what they mean and some are used more often than others. A new database of these features paves a pathway for ASL research.

Naomi Caselli, Assistant Professor of Deaf Studies, Boston University • conversation
April 6, 2021 ~9 min


Deaf babies with Deaf parents have serious gaze skills

"Informal observations of Deaf infants interacting with their Deaf parents have suggested that these infants possess keen control over their eye-gaze behavior."

Kim Eckart-Washington • futurity
Oct. 16, 2019 ~5 min

Sign-language translator is as portable as Chapstick

The new technology can translate much better than other currently available devices.

Caroline Brooks-Michigan State • futurity
Feb. 15, 2019 ~5 min

Sign language points to limitations of speech

"Sign languages are more expressive than spoken language because they combine the same kind of logical resources with far richer iconic means."

James Devitt-NYU • futurity
Nov. 8, 2018 ~4 min

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