This module introduces students to the linguistic study of signed languages, including sign language phonology, morphology, syntax and sociolinguistic...

This module introduces students to the linguistic study of signed languages, including sign language phonology, morphology, syntax and sociolinguistic variation. The module will begin by introducing the notion of language modality and why it is important for linguists to study signed languages. The bulk of the module will focus within the core areas of linguistics: phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax, semantics/pragmatics, and discourse. Other areas covered will include language modality and sociolinguistic variation and language contact. The module will end by considering the implications of sign languages for language universals. The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the linguistic structure of sign languages. Students will examine those characteristics that make sign languages the same as spoken languages, as well as those properties that make them different, and the implications for linguistic universals and linguistic theory. The module is delivered with weekly two-hour lectures, most of which will include some interactive activities. Some sessions will involve examining sign language data. At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• explain the importance of studying sign languages for descriptive and theoretical linguistics

• describe aspects of the phonology, morphology, lexicon and syntax of signed languages

• describe aspects of the semantics/pragmatics of signed languages and of sign language discourse

• describe sociolinguistic variation in sign languages, and issues with language contact

• describe the features of sign languages that make them natural languages and their relevance for our understanding of language universals

• describe the features of sign languages that are inherently different from spoken languages and the impact this has on our understanding of linguistic diversity and language universals