Modality and Structure in Signed and Spoken Languages

Richard P. Meier

ISBN 10: 0521803853 / ISBN 13: 9780521803854

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2002

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - The realisation that signed languages are true languages is one of the great discoveries of linguistic research. The work of many sign language researchers has revealed deep similarities between signed and spoken languages in their structure, acquisition and processing, as well as differences, arising from the differing articulatory and perceptual constraints under which signed languages are used and learned. This book provides a cross-linguistic examination of the properties of many signed languages, including detailed case studies of Hong Kong, British, Mexican and German sign languages. The contributions to this volume, by some of the most prominent researchers in the field, focus on a single question: to what extent is linguistic structure influenced by the modality of language Their answers offer particular insights into the factors that shape the nature of language and contribute to our understanding of why languages are organised as they are.

Seller Inventory # 9780521803854

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Modality and Structure in Signed and Spoken Languages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521803853
• ISBN 13: 9780521803854
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 157H x 34D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 157 millimeters height by 34 millimeters depth
• Weight: 955 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Signed languages are the naturally-evolved visual-gestural languages of deaf communities. The realization that they are true languages is one of the great discoveries of the last thirty years of linguistic research. This book examines the linguistic properties of many, including detailed case studies of Hong Kong, British, Mexican and German signed languages. The contributors focus on determining the extent that linguistic structure is influenced by whether a language is signed or spoken. Their answers contribute to further understanding the organization of languages.

About the Authors

Richard P. Meier is Professor of Linguistics and Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin.

Kearsy Cormier is a doctoral candidate in linguistics at the University of Texas, Austin.

David Quinto-Pozos is a doctoral candidate in linguistics at the University of Texas, Austin.