Assignment Description
- Selection of Research Site: For my observation assignment, I’ve chosen three locations in Riverside, CA where I’m likely to see some sign language use: a Starbucks next to the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, Condron Coffee, and Hangar 24, a local brewery that’s hosting a Deaf event this weekend.Starbucks is my first spot since it’s right next to the school. There’s a lot of traffic from Deaf people throughout the day, especially during weekdays when they come in to pick up their orders. This should give me plenty of chances to see interactions between Deaf customers and the hearing staff. Plus, Starbucks is a place where people tend to linger, so I can spend a decent amount of time observing without it feeling rushed.The second location is Condron Coffee, a popular spot in Riverside. While it’s not specifically a Deaf spot, it’s still close to the Deaf school and tends to attract Deaf customers after work hours. Deaf people also often gather here to meet up and hang out. I think this will give me a chance to observe more casual, everyday interactions between Deaf and hearing people in a more relaxed setting.Third location, I’m planning to check out Hangar 24, a local brewery that’s hosting a Deaf event this Saturday. This will likely be a one-time visit, but since it’s a Deaf event, I’m expecting a lot of sign language use. It should give me a good snapshot of how Deaf people interact with hearing individuals in a more social, event-focused environment.
2. Observation.
- Spend time in your chosen space, observing the use of sign language in the space. It is important to document the use of sign language at different times and on different days. Ideally you would be able to observe the ebb and flow of language use over the course of an ordinary week. The professor will set up a spreadsheet for those in DC to select times to do observations.
- Pay attention to how sign language is represented in signage, informational displays, digital screens, or other forms of visual communication.
- Observe interactions between individuals, particularly focusing on the use of sign language in communication.
- Take detailed notes on the context, the people involved, the types of signs observed, and the purposes they serve.
My observations:
Starbucks next to CSDR
Thursday, sept 19 11:05am to 1pm during work hours:
Remodeled Starbucks more closed off baristas are not visible anymore they are in the back making drinks, harder for deaf customers to communicate if need any adjustments for their drinks or whatnot. No signs of ASL friendly or whatsoever
All customers are CSDR staff they chatted with each other while waiting for orders mostly likely on their lunch break
#1 Deaf customer came in and stood there to wait for his mobile order. He kept walking to the counter to check for his name. Baristas did not wave or acknowledged that he cannot hear when they call out names. Or maybe they did not realized that he is deaf.
#2 Another customer came in too for her mobile order. Same thing, she kept checking for her name.
#3 deaf customer came in and pointed what she wanted to get to eat and grabbed a bottled drink. Customer paid in cash and barista signed thank you.
#4 deaf customer came in and he started to sign to a different barista than the above. Apparently he is a regular customer and knows this barista. He signed his order. Repeated some. Barista signed back too I could tell she only knows signs for Starbucks drinks to go or for here that kind stuff only.
#5 deaf customer came in and checked for her mobile order and realized they didn’t have her order right. She signed to the barista, same barista that signed to #4, barista signed back
I went ahead and ordered a drink for myself, I approached a barista the one doesn’t know sign and showed my phone. The barista waved at me to let me know that my drink is ready.
I talked with one of the customers and she said baristas started to learn basic Starbucks signs since they have many deaf customers coming in.
Hangar 24 brewery Saturday, sept 21st 6pm to 10pm:
The space is open concept with the bar being in the middle — 360 degrees view which is considered Deaf friendly. We can see the inside from the patio area outside. The owners were notified of a deaf event at their site. A large number of deaf people showed up. There were no signs or whatsoever of welcoming or recognizing even accommodating Deaf customers. The bartenders offered a menu for the Deaf people to order food and or drinks. Some Deaf people used their phones to order. Bartenders seemed friendly and prepared to accommodate by reading orders on their phone or looking at the menu. None of the bartenders know sign language.
Customer number 1: He attempted to gesture asking for an empty glass. A bartender understood and gave him a glass.
Customer #2: A mother with two young deaf children wanted to order food. A bartender had menus ready out on the counter. The mother looked at the menu and pointed what she wanted.
Customer # 3: A lady had her order ready on her phone as she waited in the line. The bartender waved at her to let her know that she’s next. She proceed and showed her phone.
Most of the customers had similar approach when ordering food and drinks.
Another thing to note, hearing customers were leaving and looked at one of Deaf people chatting with each other if they wanted to sit at their table as they are leaving. It was a nice gesture. Again the communication is limited and minimal.
Condron Coffee Tuesday, September 24 9am to 11am and Wednesday, September 25 1pm to 4pm
Open space and the baristas are very visible and we can see them making drinks.
Only a few Deaf customers came in. As usual, they showed their phone to order drinks. None of the baristas know sign language. This is one of few spots that Deaf customers frequent.
No signage or whatsoever that accommodate Deaf customers. Condron had menus in front of cashier’s registration. Actually, that’s their only visible menu in the shop — nothing on the wall.
4. Analysis:
Analyze the role of sign language within the linguistic landscape. Consider questions such as:
- When is sign language used in this space?
- What is communicated through sign language and for what purpose?
- How accessible is the space for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals?
- What does the presence or absence of sign language indicate about the inclusivity of the space?
- How do sign language and other languages coexist in this space?
Consider how the themes from this course are reflected in this work. What does the (in)visibility of ASL (or other sign languages) in this space tell you about the status of ASL in U.S. society? Refer to readings from the class in your analysis.
6. Final Paper
Paper length: Minimum 2,500 words with at least 6 peer-reviewed references in Chicago format.
The paper should include:
- A brief introduction stating the purpose of your research and explaining the reason the research site was chosen.
- A detailed description of your research site and methodology.
- A detailed discussion of your observational data, supported by visual documentation when necessary.
- A reflection on your findings and their implications for linguistic rights for sign language users.
- A conclusion that summarizes your research and suggests areas for further study. What should future researchers think about when doing this kind of work?
Edited by Tove Skutnabb-Kangas and Robert Phillipson, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2023,
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119753926 (Do not purchase, this is available online via the
Gallaudet library and PDFs are on Blackboard)
recognition of sign languages: advocacy and outcomes around the world. Bristol: Multilingual
Matters.
Matters.