Date of Completion
Spring 5-1-2024
Thesis Advisor(s)
Julian Schloeder
Honors Major
Philosophy
Disciplines
American Sign Language | Arts and Humanities | Philosophy | Philosophy of Language | Sign Languages
Abstract
This paper investigates the philosophical implications of evolving and removing certain signs in American Sign Language (ASL), with a focus on those considered problematic due to their potential to perpetuate stereotypes or essentialism. Through an analysis of signs for words such as Jewish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Black, this study explores how language shapes and reflects social attitudes, particularly within the Deaf community. The research situates these signs within philosophical frameworks, identifying their potential contributions to social essentialism, prejudice, or forms of dehumanization.
While addressing the challenges of limited first-hand accounts from Deaf individuals, the paper emphasizes the need for further studies that center the perspectives of native ASL users. It also raises critical questions for future exploration, such as the implications of culturally borrowed signs, the symbolism inherent in certain signs, and the broader phenomenon of linguistic essentialism in signed and spoken languages. By analyzing these issues through a philosophical lens, this paper seeks to advance discussions on the inclusivity and ethical considerations of the ASL lexicon, ultimately advocating for greater accessibility to philosophical discourse for the Deaf community.
Recommended Citation
Haefele, Madeline, "Exploring Essentialization, Stereotyping, and Forms of Dehumanization in American Sign Language" (2024). Honors Scholar Theses. 1107.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/1107
