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The Linguistics Research Laboratory Records

 Collection
Identifier: GR001

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of 15 document boxes for a total of 7.5 linear feet and approximately 12,750 pages. The materials within the collection range from 1954 to 1984 with the majority of content from 1971 to 1979. The bulk of the collection is letters written by correspondents related to the research of sign language. Some materials in the collection contain grant applications to obtain funds for more research on sign language. This collection has some early documents on sign language that Dr. Stokoe wrote between the 1960s and 1970s. Interested linguistics may be able to look at the early documents related to the research on sign language.

Dates

  • Creation: 1954 - 1984

Biographical / Historical

The Linguistics Research Laboratory, a separate unit of the College, was established in 1970. Dr. William C. Stokoe, Jr., where he conducted linguistic research at Gallaudet from 1957 until 1971, became the first Director of the Linguistics Research Laboratory on July 1, 1971. Dr. Stokoe was a chairman of the Department of English at Gallaudet. The Laboratory became a part of the Research Institute in 1978. The unit conducted the study of sign language and researched the system of the language used by deaf people. The Linguistics Research Laboratory closed on December 31, 1984.

Extent

7.5 Linear Feet (15 document cases)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of letters, articles, catalogs, grant applications, reports, clippings, minutes, proposals, memorandums and newsletters related on research of sign language.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Transferred to Archives in 1985 after the LRL closed down.

Related Materials

Films

Observing the sign language. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film 412-4

Photographs

Departments – Linguistics Research Laboratory [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Departments

Title
The Linguistics Research Laboratory Records
Status
Completed
Author
Olson, Michael J.
Date
Original creation October 19, 2009. ArchivesSpace version created April 30, 2024.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Gallaudet University Archives Repository

Contact:
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Washington DC 20002 USA