The basic competence in DGS of a tested subject is determined by the linguistic judgment of a native signer. The ATG can be applied for the following areas, e. The test can be applied for both children from age six onward and adults, both deaf and hearing. The first part of a subtest is to be used for children until puberty as well as for adults. The second part is for adults only. The nine measures of the ATG assesse expressive, receptive, and expressive-receptive language skills.
It focuses on different linguistic units, such as signs, phrases, and text. Task 1: This task focuses on expressive language skills, in particular to measure the use of spontaneous signing. Task 1 is divided into 2 sub-tasks. In the first part, the test- takers are asked questions about certain topics, e. In the second part, the test-takers are asked to explain certain terms, e.
They are videotaped during the testing for later analysis. Task 2: Task 2 focuses on receptive skills of DGS. The reception of lexical and sub-lexical components should be tested. The subjects were shown a video with 60 30 for children pictures static containing objects, living creatures, and situations. For each stimulus item, five to eight DGS signs were shown on the video moving.
The subjects are asked to judge on a four point scale ranging from yes to no if a sign represents the meaning according to the picture. From the five to eight provided answers, one sign represents only part of the meaning of the pictures and one the entire meaning of the pictures. Task 3: Comprehension of phrases.
This task focuses on the acting-out of receptive language use on the lexical, morphological, and syntactic levels. They were given dolls to mimic the signed phrases. The subjects were required to differentiate between the grammatical and the topological use of the signing space. The subjects were given 60 picture cards 30 for the children with drawings.
