Sign Languages

Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts provides a succinct summary of major findings in the linguistic study of natural sign languages. Focusing on American Sign Language (ASL), this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic grammatical components of phonology, morphology, and syntax with examples and illustrations.

Joseph C. Hill is Professor of Deaf Studies and Linguistics and Director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., USA. Diane C. Lillo-Martin is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Connecticut, USA. Sandra K. Wood is Assistant Professor of Linguistics and ASL Program Coordinator at the University of Southern Maine, USA.

List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Phonology Chapter 3: Morphology Chapter 4: Syntax Chapter 5: Modality and language Chapter 6: Children with input from birth Chapter 7: Contexts of later language development Chapter 8: Homesign systems Chapter 9: Variation Chapter 10: Language Attitudes Chapter 11: Language Policy and Planning Chapter 12: Conclusion Index