Brazilian Sign Language Studies

This book brings together a collection of studies on Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Research on Libras began in earnest 20 years ago, around the time that Libras was recognised as a national language of Brazil in 2002. Over the years, more and more deaf researchers have become sign language linguists, and the community of Libras scholars have documented this language and built robust resources for linguistic research. This book provides a selection of studies by these scholars, representing work in a variety of areas from phonology to creative literature.

Although a number of edited collections deal with either the languages of the world or the languages of particular regions or genetic families, only a few cover sign languages or even include a substantial amount of information on them. This handbook provides information on some 38 sign languages, including basic facts about each of the languages, structural aspects, history and culture of the Deaf communities, and history of research. This information will be of interest not just to general audiences, including those who are deaf, but also to linguists and students of linguistics. By providing information on sign languages in a manner accessible to a less specialist audience, this volume fills an important gap in the literature.

The ninth volume in the Studies in Interpretation series presents six chapters on signed language interpreting by ten Brazilian researchers who advocate greater academic empowerment for Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) interpretation research, and much more.

Research Methods in Sign Language Studies is a landmark work on sign language research, which spans the fields of linguistics, experimental and developmental psychology, brain research, and language assessment. Examines a broad range of topics, including ethical and political issues, key methodologies, and the collection of linguistic, cognitive, neuroscientific, and neuropsychological data Provides tips and recommendations to improve research quality at all levels and encourages readers to approach the field from the perspective of diversity rather than disability Incorporates research on sign languages from Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa Brings together top researchers on the subject from around the world, including many who are themselves deaf

Complete Sign Language Course" is an immersive journey into the rich and expressive world of sign language. Through its comprehensive content, this book serves as a gateway for both beginners and seasoned learners alike, offering a structured approach to mastering this vital form of communication. Each chapter unfolds like a roadmap, guiding readers through essential vocabulary, grammar, and practical applications of sign language in various contexts. The book begins with an introduction to the history and significance of sign language, shedding light on its evolution and cultural importance. Readers delve into the origins of different sign languages, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity and resilience of Deaf communities worldwide. By understanding the cultural context surrounding sign language, learners can better grasp its nuances and intricacies. As readers progress, they encounter a wealth of interactive exercises and activities designed to reinforce learning and retention. From basic finger spelling to complex sentence structures, each lesson builds upon the last, empowering readers to gradually expand their signing proficiency. Through hands-on practice and repetition, learners develop fluency and confidence in expressing themselves through sign. In addition to its instructional content, "Complete Sign Language Course" offers insights into Deaf culture, fostering empathy and understanding among its readers. By exploring topics such as Deaf identity, etiquette, and social dynamics, the book encourages readers to embrace inclusivity and advocate for accessibility in their communities. Through education and awareness, it aims to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive society. Ultimately, "Complete Sign Language Course" is more than just a textbook—it's a transformative experience that equips readers with the tools and knowledge to communicate effectively in sign language while fostering a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and identity. Whether used for self-study or in a classroom setting, this book stands as a testament to the power of language to connect people across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Sign language linguists show here that all questions relevant to the linguistic investigation of spoken languages can be asked about sign languages. Conversely, questions that sign language linguists consider - even if spoken language researchers have not asked them yet - should also be asked of spoken languages. The HSK handbook Sign Language aims to provide a concise and comprehensive overview of the state of the art in sign language linguistics. It includes 44 chapters, written by leading researchers in the field, that address issues in language typology, sign language grammar, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, sociolinguistics, and language documentation and transcription. Crucially, all topics are presented in a way that makes them accessible to linguists who are not familiar with sign language linguistics.

The Routledge Handbook of Theoretical and Experimental Sign Language Research bridges the divide between theoretical and experimental approaches to provide an up-to-date survey of key topics in sign language research. With 29 chapters written by leading and emerging scholars from around the world, this Handbook covers the following key areas: On the theoretical side, all crucial aspects of sign language grammar studied within formal frameworks such as Generative Grammar; On the experimental side, theoretical accounts are supplemented by experimental evidence gained in psycho- and neurolinguistic studies; On the descriptive side, the main phenomena addressed in the reviewed scholarship are summarized in a way that is accessible to readers without previous knowledge of sign languages. Each chapter features an introduction, an overview of existing research, and a critical assessment of hypotheses and findings. The Routledge Handbook of Theoretical and Experimental Sign Language Research is key reading for all advanced students and researchers working at the intersection of sign language research, linguistics, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics.

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; 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 towards sign languages, and how language planning affects language use; is accompanied by e-resources, which host links to video clips. Offering an engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages, this book is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.