External phonological change

[Adam Schembri, Deaf Studies]

I have seen a number of studies that discuss phonological change in
signed languages due to language internal factors (e.g., physiological
factors, such as the constraints of production and perception). Is
anyone aware of papers that discuss phonological changes in signed
languages due to language external (e.g., social) factors?

In BSL (British Sign Language), a small number of signs appeared to
be experiencing a change in hand configuration due to social factors.
Traditional variants of signs such as HOLIDAY or MOCK used a
handshape with only the middle finger extended. Due to the perception
that this handshape is considered impolite, some signers have
replaced the hand configuration in these signs with a G handshape.
This appears to have happened quite recently, and quite consciously
amongst sign language teachers in particular, perhaps due to contact
with hearing students. This change has not yet spread to the related
sign language Auslan (Australian Sign Language), where all signers
continue to make liberal use of the middle finger extended handshape
in signs such as HOLIDAY, STUBBORN, SILLY, LAZY, BETRAY, AVAILABLE
and ROCKET.

Anyone aware of anything similar in other signed languages? And any
references which discuss this?

Adam

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Adam Schembri
Centre for Deaf Studies
University of Bristol
8 Woodland Rd
Bristol BS8 1TN
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)117 954 6909
Textphone: +44 (0)117 954 6920
Fax: +44 (0)117 954 6921
Email: Adam.Schembri at bristol.ac.uk
Website: www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/DeafStudies