ASL Literature
Byrne
edition renders at least one version permanent. He is likely to have viewed himself when making
the videotape to make sure that all segments are presented in their best version but it does not mean
that the narrative being told live or on the stage would be inferior as Peters’ definition implies.
While The Hitchhiker may use vernacular language, the negative connotation of this term suggests
that it should be avoided altogether.
When looking through all the definitions, there seems to be a strong emphasis on ASL
literature being transmitted through generations. That may be true concerning the folklore type of
literature, but not so with the single-authored type. Bird of a Different Feather serves as a good
example of a work of ASL literature that is rather new and not subject to transmission across
generations. A better definition is needed that will encompass works of ASL literature that are not
necessarily passed through generations.
There is one definition suggesting that only deaf individuals can contribute to ASL
literature, which is not correct. The exemplary work of Bonnie Kraft cannot be discarded because
she can hear. Theoretically, a hearing signer has the capacity of performing high quality literary
work with the important understanding that this person respects deaf culture (S. Supalla, 2006).
Another example is the possession of native signing skills and avoidance of taking the role of a
deaf person, especially with that of a character with his/her point of view for the entire work.
Although deaf individuals are not specified in any of the definitions discussed thus far, they are
expected to respect their own culture as well.
The need for a comprehensive definition of ASL literature is evident, especially with how
varied the current descriptions are. Also, the descriptions are not comprehensive enough to capture
the heart of ASL literature. While one definition mentions “enduring interest” as an important
attribute for what characterizes ASL literature, which is correct, this attribute is not included in the
other definitions. The fact that Byrne’s definition in 1996 mentions that literary works done
originally in a language other than ASL should not be treated as something that is integral to ASL
literature is an interesting proposition.
With all of these different considerations, it is necessary to return to the author’s doctoral
dissertation, where an initial version of a comprehensive definition of ASL literature was put
together. The ASL and Deaf Studies experts who participated in the dissertation research were
asked to peruse the definitions and share their perspectives as to whether these definitions were
comprehensive enough to completely represent all of ASL literature. The first version was
included in the dissertation, but more changes were made during the writing of this paper. The
additional analysis done with the seven definitions that were published prior to the dissertation
work require those changes. This new definition has the potential to assist scholars, educators, and
performers to have an enhanced understanding of what ASL literature is and is not. Also, the
definition could possibly assist in creating, developing, and using quality materials for ASL
literature classes in K–12 and post-secondary settings. The new definition of ASL literature is
constructed as follows:
ASL literature is defined as a body of published American and Canadian works in
video format that are both folkloristic and single-authored. It has literary elements
and functions that can be found in literatures of different languages both unwritten
and written. The genres include poetry, drama, and prose including humor, riddles,
and allegories. ASL literature comprises original compositions that have arisen
from the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of native signers using the linguistic
structures and features of ASL. It includes the ability to decipher, organize,
SASLJ, Vol. 1, No. 1 – Fall/Winter 2017
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