ASL Linguistics Lecture Series: Carlos Alaiza Javier

The Department of Linguistics proudly presents Carlos Alaiza Javier.  Carlos will present on "Comparing American Sign Language (ASL) with Spanish Sign Language (LSE – Lenguade de Signos Española)".

Sign languages around the world often have common properties. It appears that the modality itself has influenced aspects of how sign languages are structured. The field of sign language research is still new, and it is possible there are details that distinguish grammar features that are being overlooked. This presentation will compare Spanish Sign Language’s grammatical and nonmanual features with ASL. The presenter will provide narratives in Spanish Sign Language and their translations in ASL.  There will be opportunities for an analysis of similarities and differences between these two sign languages. In addition, information about the Deaf community in Spain will be shared.

Carlos Alaiza Javier was born and raised in Zaragoza, Spain. His parents and two older siblings are all Deaf and he is a native signer of Spanish Sign Language. He graduated from La Purisima, school for deaf students in Zaragoza. He is employed as a mechanic and is an avid traveler who has been to more than 40 countries. On the side, he is a professional photographer working with a Canon camera.

ASL/English interpretation will be provided.