Hand Talk: Sign Language among American Indian Nations - Softcover

Davis, Jeffrey E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521690307 ISBN 13: 9780521690300

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

American Indian nations of the Great Plains and cultural groups bordering this geographic area spoke so many different languages that verbal communication between them was difficult. As extensive trade networks developed and political alliances became necessary, an elegant language of the hands developed that cut across spoken language barriers. Though now endangered, this sign language continues to serve a vital role in traditional storytelling, rituals, legends, prayers, conversational narratives, and as a primary language of American Indians who are deaf. This volume contains the most current descriptions of all levels of the language from phonology to discourse, as well as comparisons with other sign languages. This is the first work of its kind to be produced in more than a century, and is intended for students of sign language as well as those wishing to learn more about American Indian languages and cultures.

About this title

Book Description

Describes a unique case of sign language that served as an international language among numerous Native American nations not sharing a common spoken language. The book contains the most current descriptions of all levels of the language from phonology to discourse, as well as comparisons with other sign languages.

About the Author

Jeffrey E. Davis is Associate Professor of Linguistics at the University of Tennessee.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521690307
• ISBN 13: 9780521690300
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 274