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. Revised throughout, this new edition: - demonstrates how sign languages are acquired by Deaf children with varying degrees of input during early development, including no input where children create a language of their own - discusses the contexts of sign languages, including how different varieties are formed and used, attitudes toward sign languages, and how language planning affects language use - includes a new chapter on the similarities between signed and spoken languages - offers additional visuals and explanations as well as more coverage of signed languages other than ASL - is accompanied by updated online support material, which hosts links to video clips This engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.

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