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Papers by Mireille (Micky) Vale

Current Issues in Language Planning 25(1), 2023

This paper examines recent lexical expansion in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in the context o... more This paper examines recent lexical expansion in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in the context of change in the status of the language and ongoing contact with other (spoken and signed) languages. We categorised 917 new signs documented in the past five years according to their source, semantic field, and sign formation mechanism(s), both language-internal and language-external (contact induced). Lexical expansion in NZSL uses known sign formation mechanisms with a high proportion of (iconic) depicting constructions but also a large number of contact-induced signs including loans, calques and bimodal loan-shifts. Differences were found between planned (curriculum-related) terminology and community generated neologisms both in semantic field and prevalence of sign formation mechanisms. Variation in neologisms and non-lexical paraphrases were common, suggesting that while the semiotic repertoires of signers are diversifying, acceptance and standardisation of neologisms are uncertain. Our findings indicate that lexical expansion reflects new contexts of NZSL use (including pressure to disseminate information through interpreting and translation, and use in education) and interaction with the culture of wider society.

New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics, 2017

Computer assisted language learning (CALL) is an increasingly common component of L2 learning of ... more Computer assisted language learning (CALL) is an increasingly common component of L2 learning of sign languages, yet there has been limited research on the outcomes for learners using online sign language resources autonomously. This article describes the principles and design choices that informed the development of Learn NZSL, an innovative e-learning resource for New Zealand Sign Language, and reports on a study that evaluated the user experience and learning outcomes of a small group of autonomous beginner learners with this resource.

In this paper I report on a mixed method user study of the Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign ... more In this paper I report on a mixed method user study of the Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language (ODNZSL). While sign language dictionaries make comparatively full use of the potential offered by the digital format, they have not previously been the focus of much user research and to date there have been no published studies of the usability of electronic dictionary features such as video material, bidirectional search methods and hyperlinked information. This study focuses on broad questions: who the users of the ODNZSL are, their motivation for consulting the dictionary, aspects of their dictionary consultation behaviour
and problems that they currently experience.

The study draws on two data sets: firstly, I analysed log data from the ODNZSL website using Google Analytics; and secondly, I carried out a think-aloud protocol and follow-up interview with representatives of potential user groups identified through a pre-compilation user survey. After a brief description of the structure and format of the ODNZSL, results from these two investigations will be discussed along with implications for optimising the ODNZSL’s usefulness for its diverse users, and for online dictionaries in general.

Book chapters by Mireille (Micky) Vale

Lexicography of Coronavirus-related Neologisms, 2022

International Handbook of Modern Lexis and Lexicography, 2017

Sign language dictionaries have been motivated by dual needs for language documentation and stand... more Sign language dictionaries have been motivated by dual needs for language documentation and standardized learning resources, and both purposes have contributed to valorizing sign languages over the past 50 years. Concepts and techniques of sign language lexicography have progressed from compilations of captioned illustrations to contemporary multimedia, online dictionaries. This chapter introduces key features of signed lexicon, sketches historical development in sign language dictionaries, summarizes current developments of sign language corpora, and identifies future directions.

Thesis by Mireille (Micky) Vale

Reports by Mireille (Micky) Vale

A survey of the NZSL community was carried out in 2013 as part of a larger project evaluating the... more A survey of the NZSL community was carried out in 2013 as part of a larger project evaluating the ethnolinguistic vitality of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). The aims of this survey were, (1) to gain an overview of the language profile of members of the NZSL community, and the domains in which they use NZSL; (2) to identify NZSL user perceptions about the vitality of NZSL. An online survey link was disseminated via websites, newsletters and social media sites of Deaf--related organisations. Hard copies of the survey were also made available, and responses collected in person (via NZSL translation) from participants with literacy barriers. In total, 255 responses were collected. Three quarters of the survey participants identified as deaf, 9 % as hearing impaired, 2 % as deafblind and 14 % as hearing. Diverse age--groups and ethnicities were represented.

This report describes the results of 112 responses to a survey of parents with a deaf / hearing i... more This report describes the results of 112 responses to a survey of parents with a deaf / hearing impaired child, carried out between June -August 2013. The survey was part of a larger research project assessing the linguistic vitality of New Zealand Sign Language, of which child language use is a critical component. The survey aimed to investigate the language use of deaf and hearing impaired children and their families, and to identify factors in parental choices that that may influence the transmission of NZSL to future generations. Key findings include the following: 65% of the children in the sample are cochlear implant users; approximately a quarter of families in this sample use some form of signing with their child (19% identified as NZSL); more children use sign language at home than at school; a minority of parents regard bilingualism in English and NZSL as a future language profile for their child; while almost half the parents received professional advice that included the use of sign language with their child, 35% reported explicit advice against signing. Parents who are interested in using NZSL with their child report a lack of practical support for learning it and limited opportunitites for social contact with other child or adult signers. Overall, these findings echo previous recent New Zealand studies on this topic, and suggest that the transmission of NZSL to deaf/hearingimpaired children is precarious under current conditions for the acquisition and use of NZSL in the family domain.

Conference Presentations by Mireille (Micky) Vale

Recent sign language dictionaries have taken advantage of innovations in electronic lexicography ... more Recent sign language dictionaries have taken advantage of innovations in electronic lexicography (e.g. Kristoffersen &Troelsgård, 2010; McKee & McKee, 2013). However, few if any usability studies of these new resources have been carried out (Troelsgard & Kristofferson, 2012). Without an accurate user profile, decisions about the future design of these dictionaries may be guided by false assumptions.

This paper reports on the initial phase of a PhD study focusing on the Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language. Following recommendations by Hartmann (2001) and Tarp (2009) to combine methods in user research, I draw on website log data using Google Analytics, and a qualitative think-aloud study with representatives of previously identified user groups.

Preliminary results confirm that there are differences between the user groups in terms of their use of different features and the depth of searches. The think-aloud data points to a demand for particular features, while the Analytics data indicates a user focus on encoding (searching for signs by words) and a preference for looking up high frequency vocabulary.

This examination of user behaviour provides valuable insights into actual dictionary use, which can help to optimise the dictionary’s usefulness for both the Deaf community and learners of NZSL.

References

Hartmann, R. R. K. (2001). Teaching and researching lexicography. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.
Kristoffersen, J. H., & Troelsgård, T. (2010). The Danish Sign Language dictionary. In A. Dykstra & T. Schoonheim (Eds.), Proceedings of the 14th Euralex International Congress (pp. 1549–1554). Leeuwarden / Ljouwert, The Netherlands: Fryske Akademy. Retrieved from http:// www.euralex.org/ elx_proceedings/Euralex2010/
McKee, R., & McKee, D. (2013). Making an online dictionary of New Zealand SIgn Language. Lexikos, 23 (1), 500-531. doi:10.5788/23-1-1227
Tarp, S. (2009). Reflections on lexicographical user research. Lexikos, 19, 275–296. doi:10.5788/19-0-440
Troelsgård, T., & Kristoffersen, J. H. (2012). The electronic lexicographical treatment of sign languages: The Danish Sign Language dictionary. In S. Granger & M. Paquot (Eds.), Electronic Lexicography (1st ed., pp. 293–318). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ) carried out a review of its Co... more The Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ) carried out a review of its Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct in 2011 / 2012.

Revisions to the Code were made based on consultation with the Deaf community, employers / agencies, and interpreters themselves. The feedback received, however, has implications beyond the development of a new Code. It highlights how interpreter conduct colours the way in which we are perceived in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

In this presentation I discuss the main themes coming out of the consultation with the Deaf community and what these themes reveal about our identity as interpreters. Some examples are shared where the Deaf community and interpreters may have different views on the role and function of interpreters. There are opportunities to discuss these examples and to start a dialogue about who we are, and who we are seen to be.

Talks by Mireille (Micky) Vale

Book Reviews by Mireille (Micky) Vale