The Effects of Electronic Communication on American Sign Language

Technological and language innovation often flow in concert with one another. Casual observation by researchers has shown that electronic communication memes, in the form of abbreviations, have found their way into spoken English. This study focuses on the current use of electronic modes of communication, such as cell smartphones, and e-mail, and how they affect American Sign Language. This study explores Deaf ASL users' perceptions of the extent that these memes have entered their signed lexicon. While the research focuses on social factors of age and gender in order to compare the use of these abbreviations by specific groups.