The linguistics of British Sign Language : an introduction

This book formed the basis of one of my Linguistics modules at University, the structure of BSL. It was easy to read and informative; it has pictures of sign in-use and explains linguistic concepts in basic terms so that people without linguistics degrees would be able understand it and get a lot out of it. When I started the course I had hardly any knowledge of BSL, I am now studying my level 2. This book gave me a very good idea of the grammatical scaffolding of BSL, onto which, I now just need to build my vocab. My only problem with the book is that there isn't a sequel. This is the first detailed explanation of the way British Sign Language works and is the product of many years' experience of research and teaching sign linguistics to deaf and hearing people. It assumes no previous knowledge of linguistics or sign language, and is not structured around traditional headings such as phonology, morphology and syntax. Instead it is set out in such a way as to help learners and their teachers understand the linguistic principles behind the language. There are sections on BSL grammar and also on the use of BSL, including social acceptability in signing, variation, and poetry and humour in BSL. Technical terms and linguistic jargon are kept to a minimum, and the text contains many examples from English, BSL, and other spoken and sign languages. The book is amply illustrated and contains exercises, as well as a reading list for further study. An accompanying 90-minute DVD is available from Talk With Sign Books. To find out more, visit http://www.talkwithsign.com/linguistics-british-sign-language-p-741.html 1. Linguistics And Sign Linguistics -- 2. Bsl In Its Social Context -- 3. Constructing Sign Sentences -- 4. Questions And Negation -- 5. Mouth Patterns And Non-manual Features In Bsl -- 6. Morphology And Morphemes In Bsl -- 7. Aspect, Manner And Mood -- 8. Space Types And Verb Types In Bsl -- 9. The Structure Of Gestures And Signs -- 10. Visual Motivation And Metaphor -- 11. The Established And Productive Lexicons -- 12. Borrowing And Naming Signs -- 13. Socially Unacceptable Signs -- 14. Extended Use Of Language In Bsl. Rachel Sutton-spence And Bencie Woll. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. This is the first textbook dealing specifically with British sign linguistics. It provides essential support for learners of British Sign Language and others interested in the structure and use of BSL, and assumes no previous knowledge of linguistics and sign language. Technical terms and linguistic jargon are kept to a minimum. The book contains over three hundred illustrations and an index of signs and sign phrases. There are also exercises and a reading list for further independent study. This is the first British textbook dealing solely with sign linguistics. The book is illustrated throughout and contains exercises, as well as a reading list for further study