Deaf migrants are confronted with many linguistic and social challenges but also demonstrate a unique communicative potential. The presented ongoing research study explores the language background and current language use and competencies of ten D/deaf migrant signers through semi-structured interviews conducted by a Deaf signer of Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). Specifically, the following research questions will be addressed: (1) Which communication practices and strategies do the participants employ and what are their usage preferences? (2) How competent are they according to their own and others' assessment? (3) To which experiences could observed differences be attributed? The aim is, on the one hand, to explore and acknowledge the complex semiotic repertoires (Kusters et al., 2017) of the participants and, on the other hand, to aid in creating environments that promote the well-being and successful communication of this group. The concept of semiotic repertoires includes two important notions: firstly, that languages are not bounded systems and secondly, that repertoires are not solely "linguistic".
The differences between participants are explored through a two-fold approach: First, each participants' general (functional) as well as ÖGS-specific (formal) competence is rated both by the participants themselves as well as two expert Deaf native ÖGS signers (in a procedure adapted from the SLPI; e.g., Newell et al., 1983). Secondly, participants' non-ÖGS-based communicative strategies are analyzed, whereby instances of, for example, innovative and broad use of iconicity, international sign resources, or resources from previously acquired languages are coded, categorized and interpreted through an inductive, data-driven approach.
Findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of this unique demographic and provide a first understanding of the way different linguistic experiences and socialization shape the current practices of D/deaf migrants in Austria. Additionally, they reveal insights into the participants' processes of social and cultural integration. Their semiotic repertoires include different sign languages alongside other ways of meaning-making such as gesture, literacy-based strategies and interactions with the environment. Most participants report on competencies in at least four languages and actively use at least two sign languages as well as German. Usage preferences reveal, among other things, a tendency to sign ÖGS even with signers from the same country of origin and participants' own children. Potential explanations for differences in competencies are discussed and include age of acquisition, knowledge of structurally similar sign languages and extent of contact with signing communities which is also connected to predominant attitudes about signing.
References
Kusters, A., Spotti, M., Swanwick, R. & E. Tapio (2017). Beyond Languages, Beyond Modalities: Transforming the Study of Semiotic Repertoires. International Journal of Multilingualism, 14(3), 219-232.
Newell, W., Caccamise, F., Boardman, K., & Holcomb, B.R. (1983). Adaptation of the Language Proficiency Interview (LPI) for Assessing Sign Communicative Competence. Sign Language Studies, 41, 311-352.
Sivunen, N. & Tapio, E. (2020). "Do you understand (me)?" negotiating mutual understanding by using gaze and environmentally coupled gestures between two deaf signing participants. Applied Linguistics Review.
Zeshan, U. (2015). "Making meaning": Communication between sign language users without a shared language. Cognitive Linguistics, 26(2), 211-260.
