Preservation of Plains Indian Sign Language (Poster 36)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Six
  In Poster Session: Effect of Culture on the Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Research Subjects

Abstract

This project aimed to research and interview Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL) users who maintain the culture and linguistics passed from generation to generation. Working with Dr. Joanna Cannon at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Native Indian Teachers Education Program faculty, the researcher interviewed Deaf Natives. Data collected included how they acquired PISL, and their experiences with PISL throughout their childhood and academic learning, among other variables. The researcher also met with staff members of the Indigenous Studies Department (UBC) to learn more about the Native and Indigenous communities and cultures of the British Columbia region. Lived experiences were recorded and analyzed to determine strategies Indigenous peoples used to maintain the language. PISL was utilized for communication when trading between tribes people whose spoken languages were dissimilar. This study presents perspectives of sign language use of PISL users who are Deaf.

Authors

• Tristian Tonche, Lamar University
  Presenting Author

• Zanthia Smith, Lamar University
  Presenting Author