Researchers involved: Sarah Schwarzenberg (IMaGeS, University of Hamburg) and Pia Gehlbach (external partner, University of Göttingen)
The relevance of iconicity in sign languages has been well attested, as is reflected by an increasing amount of research in this area. Iconicity ratings have gained interest as they provide insight into aspects of iconic signs, such as their structure (Caselli et al., 2017; Pietrandrea, 2002; Trettenbrein et al., 2021). However, ratings conducted so far are not uniform and often not open-access. In both of our dissertation projects, we plan on gathering iconicity ratings supporting our data on iconic strategies (Pia Gehlbach’s project) and iconic metaphorical signs (Sarah Schwarzenberg’s project). While both projects will include iconicity ratings, they differ with regard to the aspects in focus, such as the signs chosen and the parameters to be rated.
Within the short-term collaboration, we aim to create a script for iconicity ratings that can be used with regard to different research questions, thus accommodating each of our project’s objectives. We can achieve this by providing a script with a basic structure required for all ratings, such as instruction videos and a definition of iconicity, as well as additional modules that can be implemented according to the parameters and questions included in the respective study.
In a pilot study, we will test and possibly revise the script. After the implementation, the iconicity ratings for each project will be conducted separately. After the evaluation of the data, we will discuss the script and prepare a scientific output of the short-term collaboration.