| CODE | LLT3370 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Foundations in Sign Linguistics | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit focuses on the linguistics of sign languages and the contributions they have made to the world of linguistics since the mid-20th century discovery that these are actual languages rather than simple communication systems. The study-unit outlines basic concepts which serve to lay the foundations for the study of sign linguistics, including for their analysis at all levels of structure. These concepts will be amply illustrated by examples from a variety of Sign Languages. Discussion incorporates various aspects related to Deaf linguistic identity, both currently and historically, including the challenges and opportunities for language acquisition, literacy, education and employment. Artistic or "extended" use of sign language in story-telling and poetry will further illustrate both linguistic and social concepts of relevance to the Deaf community. The specific case of Maltese Sign Language / Il-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija will be situated in a historic, cultural, and global community context. Study-Unit Aims: - describe the basic principles of Sign Linguistics, including the phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax of signed languages; - evaluate examples of semantic and pragmatic differences between signed and spoken modalities; - discuss the critical role of Sign Language in Deaf culture; - critically evaluate effects of audiological deafness on language acquisition, and the implications for education and cultural models of literacy. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - describe the difference between natural sign languages and signed communication systems; - apply basic sociolinguistic principles to the case of the Deaf community; - understand the challenges of first language acquisition and the implications for cultural models of literacy; - analyse the historical and cultural context of Sign Language communities both in the local context and around the world. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - discuss and outline the importance of extended use of language in a signed modality; - evaluate the values and goals of the Deaf community, particularly with regard to the critical role of sign languages; - compare and contrast, with reference to linguistic theory, the similarities and differences between signed and spoken languages; - critically comment on different constructions of Deafness, including medical, social, cultural as well as linguistic models. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Valli, C., Lucas, C., Mulrooney, K.J., Villanueva M. (2011) Linguistics of American Sign Language: An Introduction. University of Northern Colorado. - Johnston, J. & Schembri, A. (2007) Australian Sign Language: An Introduction to Sign Language Linguistics. Cambridge University Press. - Sutton-Spence, R. & Woll, B. (1999) The linguistics of British Sign Language: An introduction. Cambridge University Press. Supplementary Readings: - Bauman, H. D. L., & Murray, J. J. (Eds.). (2014). Deaf gain: Raising the stakes for human diversity. - Groce, N. (1985) Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha's Vineyard. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. - Ladd, P. (2003). Understanding deaf culture: In search of deafhood. Multilingual Matters. - Lane, H. (2013). When the mind hears : a history of the deaf. New York : Vintage Books - Sacks, O. (2009). Seeing voices: A journey into the world of the deaf. Pan Macmillan. * * Books not currently in the library. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-units: LIN1017, LIN2017 or equivalent | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Benjamin Matthews |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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