While I was waiting on the "PT eh Sleep" Bus yesterday, something came to mind. I began to think about the Observer's Paradox and how that applied to my experience with Sign Language.
First of all, I learnt about the term when I studied Sociolinguistics. The linguist William Labov coined the term and it refers to the difficulty or paradox of acquiring untarnished data in research while the informants are being observed. The paradox lies in the informant's awareness that he is being observed and his unconscious alteration of the information he provides in order to present himself in what may be deemed, an 'appropriate' manner. Thus, the researcher gathers information that may not be a true representation of what really takes place even though the acquisition of realistic data is the researcher's main intent.
How does this relate to signing? Well, through my own minor research, I realised that my signing skills are greatly affected when I know I'm being observed by someone who knows Sign Language. My competency decreases significantly in my view and I am VERY conscious of what I am doing. This consciousness causes me to make several mistakes. On the other hand, when I'm not being observed, my signing is more natural and fluent.
So this was just a thought I had whilst waiting on the bus.
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