Foreign Vocabulary in Sign Languages: A Cross-Linguistic Investigation of Word Formation

by Diane Brentari (Editor)

Overview

This book takes a close look at the ways that five sign languages borrow elements from the surrounding, dominant spoken language community where each is situated. It offers careful analyses of semantic, morphosyntactic, and phonological adaption of forms taken from a source language (in this case a spoken language) to a recipient signed language. In addition, the contributions contained in the volume examine the social attitudes and cultural values that play a role in this linguistic process. Since the cultural identity of Deaf communities is manifested most strongly in their sign languages, this topic is of interest for cultural and linguistic reasons. Linguists interested in phonology, morphology, word formation, bilingualism, and linguistic anthropology will find this an interesting set of cases of language contact. Interpreters and sign language teachers will also find a wealth of interesting facts about the sign languages of these diverse Deaf communities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805832082
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/01/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Contents: D. Brentari, Introduction: Borrowed Elements in Sign Languages: A Window on Word Formation. P.B. Braem, Functions of the Mouthing Component in the Signing of Deaf Early and Late Learners of Swiss German Sign Language. M. Brennan, Making Borrowings Work in British Sign Language. D. Brentari, C.A. Padden, Native and Foreign Vocabulary in American Sign Language: A Lexicon With Multiple Origins. N. Hoiting, D.I. Slobin, Typological and Modality Constraints on Borrowing: Examples From the Sign Language of The Netherlands. C. Miller, The Adaptation of Loan Words in Quebec Sign Language: Multiple Sources, Multiple Processes.

Editorial Reviews

Specialists in linguistics, communication and psychology are the contributors to this collection of essays on the ways that different sign languages borrow elements from the dominant spoken community, discussed in Brentari's (linguistics, Purdue U., US) introduction. Topics include the mouthing component in the signing of deaf early and late learners of Swiss German sign language, borrowings in British sign language, native and foreign vocabulary in American sign language, typological and modality constraints to borrowing in the sign language of the Netherlands, and the use of loan words in Quebec sign languages. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"In offering cogent examples from a variety of sign languages, Brentari makes a most welcome contribution to the literature in this field."
—SSLA

From the Publisher