Phonological priming in British Sign Language

Abstract

Models of lexical access seek to explain how incoming language data is mapped onto long-term lexical representations. The experiment reported here aims to provide insight into which elements of language input are used for mapping onto a sign language lexicon. Rather than using the organs of the vocal tract, sign languages use the arms, hands, body and face to create meaning, combining handshapes, locations and movements to create meaningful words (signs). This study aims to determine whether these parameters are also used in lexical access processes. Twelve deaf native and twelve deaf non-native signers of British Sign Language (BSL) were presented with a primed lexical decision task. They were required to make a lexical decision about a target sign after viewing a preceding prime that was phonologically related to the target. Analysis of the data suggests that native signers use phonological information in signs in order to access their mental lexicon. Moreover, it appears that the salient parameter in the input is a combination of location and movement – only when both these parameters are shared by prime and target is facilitatory priming observed. There was no evidence that non-native (deaf) signers used phonological parameters to access their lexicon, despite a high degree of success in the lexical decision task at a speed comparable to that of native signers. These findings are discussed in relation to sign language acquisition and the development of phonological theories of signed languages.

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