Workshop Description

    Prosody is the “how” something is said. The meaning of a message can be significantly altered by the rhythm, intonation, and emphasis accompanying the utterance, as seen in the critical difference between, "Let’s eat, Grandma" versus "Let’s eat Grandma!"  

    The connotations portrayed by prosody may be overlooked because they are often understood intuitively. Incorporating both lecture and hands-on activities, this workshop reviews linguistic findings on ASL and English to deepen participants’ understanding of prosodic features and functions in both languages, and helps interpreters begin conscious attention to prosody, converting implicit knowledge into explicit recognition and control. It is this kind of intentional practice which enables purposeful decision-making and process-reflection which leads to long term growth in all aspects of our life and work. 

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Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

1. Explain the difference between affective and grammatical prosodic marking.

2. List features and functions of ASL and English prosody.

3. Give examples of how prosody can significantly impact the message an utterance.

4. Compare a source text and self-made target text with respect to the forms and functions of prosodic marking in each.