Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
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ASL Program
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Program Director: Professor Diane Brentari |
Since 1981, ASL courses have been taught at Purdue, and since 1993 studying ASL
has counted as fulfilling the language requirement. The program has two strengths - one is research coverage, and the other is undergraduate teaching. With regard to sign language linguistic research, Professor Brentari publishes in the areas of phonology, morphology, and psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. Professor Wilbur's publications address syntax, semantics, the effect language performance in English and ASL, and computer recognition of signs.
In the undergraduate program, there are currently four levels (four semesters) of ASL taught. In addition to the language courses, Professor Brentari teaches a course called 'The Deaf Community: Language, Culture and Society' which satisfies a core College of Liberal Arts Core requirement in 'awareness of other cultures.' Professors Wilbur and Brentari, along with the ASL Program Continuing Lecturers, also teach a number of other courses related to the program; among the most frequently taught are 'ASL in Narrative and Discourse', and 'Linguistic Structure of ASL'. Approximately 700 students enroll in ASL Program courses each year. In addition, a laboratory experience is possible for students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.