Salient features are parts of the language that have a specific importance for helping to interpret the overall meaning of a text. For example, in an ASL text, a signer may choose to fingerspell the word “S- L-O-W,” rather than using the sign. This choice provides emphasis to the degree of slowness. Depending on the text, almost any feature of language can have saliency—it’s all a matter of seeing the feature’s position within the larger whole.
Below is the beginning of a list of salient features to look for in the texts. Some occur in only ASL, some only in English, and some are in both. As you do this work, continue to add to this list so that you can be more aware of how different features add meaning and texture to our communication and work.
- Use of space
- Lexical choices
- Cohesive devices
- Use of repetition
- Constructed Action/Dialogue (Roleshifting)
- Use of Classifier Predicates
- Characterization
- Body movement
- Rhythm
- Listing
- Pacing
- Fingerspelling
- Eye Gaze
- Pausing
- Alliteration
- Rhyming
Communicative Functions
This, as well, is a very partial list. However, each salient features carries out a certain function. Our challenge is that often certain functions are carried out by different features in ASL and English.
- Compare/Contrast
- Involve Audience
- Tie text together (Cohesion)
- Show impact of action on character
- Provide Order for text
- Aside—Provide background information
- Maintain face/Be polite
- Show Respect
- Establish connection/demonstrate alliance
- Emphasize
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