Running head: ASLAR #1 1

ASL Analysis Report #1

Cindy Zambrano 101054810

Wayne Nicholson

BINT 3001
ASLAR #1 2

ASL Analysis Report #1

For the ASL V class, we were instructed to film three ASL translations at Casa Loma of

written English texts highlighting specific details of what made the room unique. For the first

ASL video translation I chose to translate the “Wine Cellar” room. The analysis report will

discuss the specific issues that occurred during the translation process, the challenges and

strengths, lastly what I would approach my final translation differently and potentially produce a

more successful translation production.

Before I begin discussing the analysis report, I would like to touch on briefly what the

English source text entails. The wine cellar room briefly discusses how it came it be. It starts off

with how Sir Henry Pellatt’s objectives for the basement were not successful, however the wine

cellar out of the many other ideas that were supposed to be built, it was the only one that got

completed. It moves on to discussing Sir Henry Pellatt’s for wine and how the room managed to

stay cool for the wines. The use of the room was no longer used until 2016. Once recognize the

wine cellar can still be of use, it was refurbished and is now currently used for a restaurant that is

managed in Casa Loma (Wine Cellar, n.d.).

The issues that arose during this translation were topic comment grammar and classifiers.

After reviewing the feedback I received regarding topic comment, I went back to my video

translation and agree this is an issue I struggle with; it appears to be a pattern as it occurs

multiple time throughout the video. An example would be in the introduction where I am

introducing the larger scene which begins with pointing to the wine cellar behind me and

indicating in ASL “This room name what?”, then following with the small scene which would be

stating the name which is finger spelt “the wine cellar”. (Baker-Shenk & Cokely,P 158, 1991).
ASLAR #1 3

The overall concept of topic comment structure is there however, what is lacking is the

grammar. Topic comments are to “clearly indicate what constitutes the topic in the sentence…”

(Baker-Shenk & Cokely, P.157, 1991). The eyebrows do not raise when starting off with the

topic. Following with the comment, there is no grammar that differentiates the comment versus

the topic which creates it to seem like one statement.

The next issue that arose were classifiers. When translating the part relating to the pipes,

“He kept these bottles cool with a refrigeration unit that used pipes filled with ammonia.” (Wine

Cellar, n.d.), I translate in ASL English word order. What should have been done was to break

from form and add classifiers to visualize what the pipes looked like and show the ammonia

coming out of the pipes. The classifier would be repeated following a specific location of the

pipes, then adding the referents of the ammonia flowing through the pipe. I feel what also

impeded my translation was my extra-linguistic knowledge. The reason why is due to the fact I

am unfamiliar with how the pipes in the cellar look like which made it difficult to produce the

translation accurately.

The challenges I faced throughout the translation were mainly topic comment grammar

and classifiers. With this reflection it has brought to my attention to focus on the two main

aspects as it will be beneficial for the next translation. The successes of this translation were the

overall presentation, index to reference, and information. I tend to have issues with register,

however, with the video there were no issues occurring with register. The register of the overall

presentation is professional and fits the goal of source text to target language. Index to reference

was another aspect that appeared to be successful, again, I do face challenges with that, but no

challenges occurred. Throughout the video index to reference appeared when needed and done
ASLAR #1 4

effectively. Lastly the overall information of the translation may have had some issue, although,

the overall information of the source text to target language was done correctly.

Overall, before the analysis I felt the translation was done with minor issues, however,

the analysis has brought important factors to my attention that need to be worked on. One aspect

I would do differently for my next translation it to take the time and work on the translation

multiple times, including incorporating feedback, and producing a more accurate translation of

the text.
ASLAR #1 5

References

Baker-Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (1991). American sign language. Washington, D.C.: Clerc
Books, Gallaudet University Press.

Casa Loma. Wine Cellar. Toronto.