Sign language linguistics

This course is an introduction to sign language linguistics. It shall give an overview of how sign languages are similar to spoken language and how they are different, and highlight how studying languages in the visual modality can widen and inform our understanding of the human language faculty. Topics will include: sign language phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics; sign and gesture; grammaticalisation and diachrony; neural representation and psycholinguistic aspects; acquisition and emergence of sign languages; bimodal bilingualism; sign language and Deaf education; sign language and Deaf rights.                                               

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:             

• be able to read most literature on sign language linguistics
• be aware of the societal, ethical, educational, political issues at stake with sign languages

have some knowledge of LSF and other related sign languages

The course is conceived as an introduction to sign language linguistics, and has no prerequisites, except an open mind and a genuine interest.