Introduction to Sign Linguistics (Rachel Sutton-Spence)
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About Sign Linguistics |  |
About Sign Linguistics: An Introduction, weekend course for summer 2011
Delivered by Dr Rachel Sutton-Spence from the University of Bristol
This short six day course which takes place over two weekends, is aimed at both Deaf and hearing professionals working regularly in BSL. It provides a deeper understanding of the structure of sign languages, especially BSL, enabling you to apply this understanding to your work.
The course introduces phonology, morphology, syntax as they relate to sign languages and how to record BSL through glossing, and transcription. Explore the role of mouth patterns and other non-manual features in BSL.
This unit provides an introduction to the linguistics of sign languages for those who are interested in studying the structure of British Sign Language (BSL). This unit should be of use to any professionals working with sign language and is open to Deaf and hearing sign language users (who should be able to understand BSL at a level approximately equivalent to Level 3).
'I have already done Rachel Sutton-Spence's 6 day linguistics course. She is fab and I cannot recommend this course highly enough'. Judy Burgess
- Explain more clearly what BSL is and understand the relationship between BSL and other languages of the world
- Describe the sign vocabulary of BSL
- Explain the role of visual motivation in sign languages
- Gloss and transcribe BSL so that they can record and analyse it for their purposes
- Describe basic phonological processes in sign languages
- Understand the role of mouth patterns and other non-manual features in BSL
- Explain the basic morphological structure of BSL, including the most important types of sign modification (inflection) and sign formation (derivation)
- Understand the rich potential of BSL verbs
- Explain the basic structure of BSL sentences and sign order
The unit will be taught as two three-day blocks, with sessions lasting from 10.00am to 4.00pm (including breaks). Participants are expected to attend both blocks. The languages of the class will be BSL and written English.
Some sessions will include practical exercises that help to solidify understanding of concepts that we talk about in each session. These will usually done in pairs or small groups.
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th May & Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June, 10am-4pm
£499.00 plus VAT (20%): £598.80
