dfs2lsl linguistics of sign languages
THE LINGUISTICS OF SIGN LANGUAGES
DFS2LSL
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students will explore the linguistic structure of sign languages. The formational structure of sign languages (phonology), the organisation of sign language lexicons and grammatical systems (lexicology, morphology, syntax, discourse), and the way in which meanings are expressed (semantics and pragmatics) are all considered. Data are drawn from Auslan (Australian Sign Language) together with examples from other sign languages. The subject also introduces students to issues involved in sociolinguistic variation, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics of sign languages, as well as the relevance of sign language research for an understanding of human language in general.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJames Blyth
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Australian Sign Language (Auslan): an introduction to sign language linguistics | Prescribed | Johnston, T and Schembri, A 2007 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS. |
| Readings | Sign language and linguistic universals | Recommended | Sandler, W and Lillo-Martin, D 2005 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS. |
| Readings | The linguistics of British Sign Language: an introduction | Recommended | Sutton-Spence, R and Woll, B 1999 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Appraise the importance of studying sign languages for descriptive and theoretical linguistics.
- Activities:
- Reading, lectures, class discussion and exercises, essay and analysis of sign language video data.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
02. Explain, apply and critique mainstream accounts of sign phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.
- Activities:
- Reading, lectures, class discussion and exercises, essay and analysis of sign language video data.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Compare and contrast the features of sign languages that are inherently different from spoken languages and the impact this has on our understanding of language universals.
- Activities:
- Reading, lectures, class discussion and exercises, essay and analysis of sign language video data.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Apply sign language research methodology to the analysis of sign language data.
- Activities:
- Reading, lectures, class discussion and exercises, essay and analysis of sign language video data.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
05. Appraise the importance of sign language research for an understanding of sociolinguistic variation, psycholinguistics and the neuroscience of language.
- Activities:
- Reading, lectures, class discussion and exercises, essay.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
Subject options
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