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 The Linguistics of Signed Languages - LING2900
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 Students studying
   
 
School:  Linguistics
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: LING1000 or LING1500
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

Introduces the fundamental structure of natural signed languages, covering the essentials of signed language phonology, morphology and syntax, and examining the important features of all these levels of structure. Compares the basic properties of signed languages with those of spoken languages in order to see in which ways signed languages are similar to spoken languages and in which ways they differ. Examines signed languages in terms of their acquisition as first and second languages, and some sociolinguistic issues that arise for users of signed languages.

Note: Students do not need to be able to sign in order to take this course.


Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and terminology of signed language linguistics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major trends in the linguistics of signed languages including their origins, strengths and weaknesses
  • Apply principles of general linguistics to the linguistics of a specific set of languages
  • Differentiate between natural and non-natural signed languages
  • Show an understanding of the nature of visual-spatial communication
  • Identify the role of particular features of signed language, such as space and non-manual marking.

Assessment

  • Assignment 1 - 20%
  • Assignment 2 - 20%
  • Test - 20%
  • Final essay (2000 words) - 40%

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