TerpTopics: FORM FUNCTION MEANING: Introduction to ASL and Sign Language Interpreting

Let us begin by focusing on a primary goal of the professional interpreter: dynamic message equivalence. With an unclear sense of language form, function, and meaning, and how they interrelate, the interpreter has a slim chance of delivering much of any sort of equivalence (message or otherwise).

Knowledge item number six under Task seven of the NAD-RID NIC "Tasks and Knowledge and Skill Statements" says that candidates must demonstrate awareness of

"Form and function of language and
how this influences lexical decision making."
(emphasis ours)

No one else needs to tell us how important form, function, and meaning are. We intuitively know their importance (and RID, the certifying body, has told us point-blank!).

We are convinced; yet, we could use an introduction to how language form, function, and meaning influence lexical (word, sign, or phrase) choice.

For a brief exploration of how iffy meaning can be when people are using the same language, we recommend picking up this book (click image now for product details):

We always find it useful to start with what we already know, and then build upward from there. As native users of English,

This page was edited: 09/15/2009
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TerpTopics™ is an independent entity; as such does not claim or attempt to claim, represent, or imply by any means whatsoever that it is associated with any other entity that may or may not offer services, goods, or information of interest to interpreter, Deaf, or student communities. The opinions expressed here those of TerpTopics unless otherwise stated. Please keep in mind that, while every effort is made to present correct, appropriate, and reasonable information that is based on our experience, anecdotal experiences of others, or developed during the general course of study and professional development, we do not represent TerpTopics as having cornered the market on wisdom (heck, no!) or experience; one reason why links to several other good and reliable resources are made available throughout this site, and we hope that earnest seekers of knowledge will take advantage of them.