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resyntaxing:
A few notes on the concept.
The term "resyntaxing" is a protologism being put forth by William G. Vicars, EdD as a way to think about and discuss certain aspects of language use --, particularly in the context of ASL interpreting.
Given the roots of the word—"re-" meaning "again" and "syntax" referring to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences—it suggests a process of rearranging or restructuring syntax.
In the context of ASL interpreting, "resyntaxing" could refer to the practice of reorganizing sentence structures from one language to another, specifically from English (or another spoken language) into American Sign Language (ASL) and vice versa.
This process is crucial because ASL and English often use different grammatical structures and syntactical rules.
Here are a few possible applications of "resyntaxing" in ASL interpreting:
- Sentence Restructuring: Adjusting the word order and grammar of an English sentence to fit ASL syntax. For example, English follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, whereas ASL often uses a Topic-Comment structure.
- Clarification and Natural Flow: Modifying sentences to ensure they are clear and natural in the target language. This might involve breaking down complex sentences into simpler ones or combining simpler sentences into a more complex structure appropriate for ASL.
- Cultural and Contextual Adaptation: Adapting sentences to fit the cultural and contextual norms of ASL. This could involve adding or omitting information to ensure the message is conveyed accurately and effectively in ASL.
- Enhancing Visual Clarity: Ensuring that the visual representation of the sentence is clear and unambiguous, considering that ASL is a visual language. This might involve changing the order of signs or incorporating facial expressions and body language to match the syntax and grammar of ASL.
By "resyntaxing," interpreters can ensure that the meaning and nuances of the original message are preserved and clearly communicated in the target language. This process is essential for effective and accurate ASL interpretation.
Here's an example of using OSV to maintain focus in a series of sentences:
OSV: "Apples, she likes. Oranges, she dislikes. Bananas, she loves."
(More consistent than: "She likes apples. She dislikes oranges. She loves bananas.")
This keeps the focus on the fruits being discussed.
Here's an example of using OSV in questions about preferences:
"Which color, you prefer?
Compare:
COLOR?-(topicalized), YOU PREFER WHICH?
COLOR-(which) YOU PREFER?
To create a link with a previous sentence. Note how the second sentence is OSV:
"The old castle stood on the hill. Its ancient stones, tourists often admired."
This maintains the focus on the castle from the previous sentence.
Notes:
Also see: syntax
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