Sinasina Sign Language

Research Background This is a continually growing archived data collection, containing digital recordings and analysis for Sinasina Sign Language (SSSL). SSSL is an endangered sign language of Chimbu, Papua New Guinea (PNG), where these recordings were collected. SSSL was first reported in 2016. This collection contains the first and likely only recordings of this language. Presently, approximately 5 other sign languages have been identified in PNG. No other sign language has been reported in Chimbu. These recordings target naturalistic story-telling and elicited SSSL use, capturing both signers' knowledge and grammatical structures. Video recordings, analysis, transcription and translations will continue to be added. Research Contribution While there are approximately 800 spoken languages in PNG, SSSL is one of 5 sign languages have been reported in the country. The earliest videos in this collection were collected in 2016, shortly after SSSL was first reported. At that time, it was the third sign language identified in PNG. Because linguists' understanding of sign languages in this region is still limited, these data have potential to drastically further our understanding of the typological features of sign languages. Currently, unusual places of articulation have been identified in these signs, which is under further investigation. The recordings and analysis which make up this collection are likely the only recordings of SSSL, which is currently at risk of being lost. This collection thus serves as starting points for preserving SSSL and research with similar languages, lending further insight into the features of languages globally. Research Significance Because it is unique, this collection can serve linguists and a wider audience. Anthropologists, sociologists, and members of the community where SSSL is used may also benefit from access to this collection. This collection preserves knowledge, traditions and cultural practices in this community in perpetuity.研究背景 本数据集为持续扩充的归档资料集合，收录了锡纳西纳手语（Sinasina Sign Language, SSSL）的数字录音与分析数据。SSSL是巴布亚新几内亚（Papua New Guinea, PNG）钦布省的濒危手语，本数据集的录音即采集于此。该手语于2016年首次被报道，本数据集收录了该语言目前已知的、也可能是仅存的录音资料。目前巴布亚新几内亚境内已确认约5种其他手语，但钦布省尚未见其他手语的相关报道。本录音涵盖自然叙事与诱导式SSSL使用场景，同时记录了使用者的手语知识与语法结构。后续将持续补充视频录音、分析文本、转写内容与翻译成果。 研究贡献 巴布亚新几内亚境内现存约800种口头语言，而SSSL是该国已报道的5种手语之一。本数据集内最早的录音采集于2016年，即SSSL首次被报道后不久，彼时它是巴布亚新几内亚境内被确认的第三种手语。由于语言学家对该区域手语的认知仍较为有限，本数据集有望极大推动学界对手语类型学特征的理解。目前已在该手语的动作中发现了非常规发音部位，相关研究仍在进行中。本数据集收录的录音与分析资料，大概率是目前濒临消亡的SSSL仅存的记录。因此，该数据集不仅为SSSL的保护与同类语言研究提供了基础起点，也为全球范围内的语言特征研究提供了新的认知视角。 研究意义 由于本数据集的独特性，其不仅可服务于语言学家，也能惠及更广泛的受众。人类学家、社会学家以及SSSL使用社群的成员也可通过该数据集获益。本数据集将永久留存该社群的知识、传统与文化实践。