Sign Languages

<p><em>Sign Languages: Structures and Contexts </em>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><ul> <li>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</li> <li>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</li> <li>includes a new chapter on the similarities between signed and spoken languages</li> <li>offers additional visuals and explanations as well as more coverage of signed languages other than ASL</li> <li>is accompanied by updated online support material which hosts links to video clips</li> </ul><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>