EXPRESSIVE NARRATIVE (EN) #1 "COPY SIGN ASSIGNMENT":  “THE RIDDLE”
 

Your assignment is to learn the story “The Riddle”, memorize it, and to sign it in a way similar to Brian.  The "Riddle" is on your Signing Naturally Level 1 DVD at the end of Unit 5.   Brian, the signer, is role playing a bus driver making stops and explaining how many patrons get on or off.  You will "copy-sign" this story from Brian's perspective, i.e. note where he places the door and the window as he drives the bus.

You can also watch this streamed video of  " A Riddle" if you wish.


 Here is the process of learning and copying a story:

1.         Translate the story and write in English sentences, making sure you understand each sign.  Leave several spaces  below the sentences so you can add notes later.

2.         Watch the story and only look at body placement – note down in the sentence the direction you see the head shift and placement of people and the bus door.  Now watch the story again and look for his eye gaze – where does he look? Look at how Brian uses his eye gaze when he signs the number "3".

3.         Watch the story again and note Brian’s facial expressions (prosody).  When are his eyebrows raised?  When are they lowered?  Make note of each of these non-manual markers.

4.         Now you are ready to begin practicing the story.  Start with concentrating on the order and exactness of the signs.  Become comfortable with the sequencing of the story. Memorize the story.
 

5.         Now concentrate on adding correct eye gaze and spatial placement throughout the story.  Finally, make sure you are signing the story using facial expression and grammar (prosody).  Videotape yourself for practice if you wish – watch yourself and make corrections.  Practice, practice, practice!!  
 

Important Note!  Do not use DVDs to record any of your expressive stories in lab.  I have just learned from the lab assistant today that DVDs can be used to watch a movie or a narrative on the DVD/VHS machine but cannot be used to record any of your assignments.  Since all of your expressive assignments will be recorded during lab time, it is best that you bring 2 blank videos weekly to record either your receptive skills or expressive skills homework.

(Tuesday/Thursday class:)
You will have an opportunity to practice during classes on 1/19 and again on 1/21 (rough sign draft).  Do not record your story on those dates.  You have a week's worth of practice to fine-tune your story. Record your story during lab time on 1/26  and turn in your videotape and English translation for homework points.
 

Here are the GLOSSED versions of the first and last sentences of the "Riddle":

("Gloss" is an English label for a sign but the gloss does not equate to the meaning or concept of the sign!  All glosses are capitalized.)

FIRST:  NOW ME TELL-STORY R-I-D-D-L-E.  YOU WATCH-ME REMEMBER.

LAST:   ME TELL-STORY UP-TIL-NOW FINISH, STOP+++ ALL-TOGETHER HOW-MANY?