The Sociolinguistics of Sign Languages

by Ceil Lucas (Editor)

Overview

This is an accessible introduction to the major areas of sociolinguistics as they relate to sign languages and deaf communities. Clearly organized, it brings together a team of leading experts in sign linguistics to survey the field, and covers a wide range of topics including variation, multilingualism, bilingualism, language attitudes, discourse analysis, language policy and planning. Each chapter introduces the key issues in each area of inquiry and provides a comprehensive review of the literature. The book also includes suggestions for further reading and helpful exercises.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521791373
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/06/2001
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1370L (what's this?)

About the Author

Ceil Lucas is Professor of Linguistics at Gallaudet University. She is the co-author (with Clayton Valli) of The Linguistics of ASL, and of Language Contact in the American Deaf Community (also with Clayton Valli), both published in 1992.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction Ceil Lucas; 2. Multilingualism - the global approach to sign languages Bencie Woll, Rachel Sutton-Spence and Frances Elton; 3. Bilingualism and language contact Jean Ann; 4. Sociolinguistic variation Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley, Clayton Valli, Mary Rose and Alyssa Wulf; 5. Discourse analysis Melanie Metzger and Ben Bahan; 6. Language planning and policy Timothy Reagan; 7. Language attitudes Sarah Burns, Pat Matthews and Evelyn Nolan.

Editorial Reviews

' … this volume stands as an authoritative and unified text on the various fields of sociolinguistics of sign languages.' Journal of Sociolinguistics

'SSL is a good introductory textbook on the topic of sociolinguistics with regard to sign languages … in conjunction with in-class lectures, supplementary readings, and further research, students can develop a good foundation of knowledge in this subject area … it fills a definite gap in the current resource materials available for the teaching of deaf-related issues.' Language in Society

From the Publisher