Sign Languages Structures and Contexts

<i><p>Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts </p></i><P>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.</P><p>Revised throughout, this new edition:</p><p>• 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;</p><p>• discusses the contexts of sign languages, including how different varieties are formed and used, attitudes toward sign languages, and how language planning affects language use;</p><p>• includes a new chapter on the similarities between signed and spoken languages;</p><p>• offers additional visuals and explanations as well as more coverage of signed languages other than ASL;</p><p>• is accompanied by updated online support material, which hosts links to video clips.</p><p>This engaging and accessible introduction to sign languages is essential reading for students studying this topic for the first time with little or no background in linguistics.</p>