Aerial Spelling and NZSL: A Response to Forman (2003)

Abstract

This Endnote concerns the role of aerial spelling in New Zealand Sign Language, research on that topic, and an opinion piece in this journal by Wayne Forman on 'The ABCs of New Zealand Sign Language: Aerial Spelling," (Forman, 2003). The piece unfortunately contains errors of fact and interpretation and a number of remarks that reflect on the academic integrity of sign language researchers in New Zealand. While we applaud Forman's effort to draw attention to an interesting feature of deaf communication, we wish to set the record straight on some points he has made. Forman's term "aerial spelling" (previousy called "writing on air" or "air writing" by other researchers) will be referred to here as AS.