Linguistics of American Sign Language

Catalog description

This course covers linguistic issues in American Sign Language (ASL). Topics include formal linguistic properties of ASL – phonology (articulatory features, phonological constraints and processes, nonmanuals), morphology (compounding, derivation, incorporation, new word formation, classifier constructions), and syntax (word order, inflection, verb types, role shift) – as well as the acquisition, processing, historical development, and sociolinguistics of ASL. Though the course focuses on ASL specifically, we also keep in view the broader issues concerning sign languages more generally, including the implications of evidence from the visual-manual modality for general linguistic theory. Parallels and differences between ASL and other signed and spoken languages are pointed out where appropriate. Students should have either a basic knowledge of ASL or acquaintance with basic concepts of linguistics.