Linguistics Of American Sign Language: An Introduction

by Valli, Clayton; Lucas, Ceil; Mulrooney, Kristin J.

• ISBN13: 9781563682834
• ISBN10: 1563682834
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-09-30
• Publisher: Gallaudet Univ Pr

Summary

Featuring a completely revised section on morphology and syntax, 18 new and updated readings, and new homework assignments based on the accompanying DVD, the fourth edition ofLinguistics of American Sign Languageexpands its purview as the standard introduction to ASL linguistics available today. The newly revised section offers new units on verbs in ASL, simple sentences in ASL, classifier predicates, syntax, and basic sentence types. The fourth edition also features groundbreaking research on iconic signs in ASL and the relationship between metaphor and iconicity in signed languages; variation in ASL; the different functions of space in ASL; and the artistic forms of ASL, including storytelling, percussion signing, drama, comedy, and poetry. Updated references and expanded readings delineate all of the linguistic basics, including phonology, semantics, and language use. The fourth edition also provides new homework assignments that correspond to the ASL stories signed on the special DVD enclosed with this new volume.

Author Biography

Clayton Valli was Assistant Professor in the Master’s Interpreting Program at Gallaudet University.

Ceil Lucas is Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics at Gallaudet University.

Kristin J. Mulrooney is Assistant Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Gallaudet University.

Table of Contents

DVD Contents	x
Preface to the Fourth Edition	xi
Introduction	xiii
Part One Basic Concepts
Defining Language	1	(192)
Part Two Phonology
Signs Have Parts	17	(6)
The Stokoe System	23	(5)
The Concept of Sequentiality in the Description of Signs	28	(6)
The Liddell and Johnson Movement-Hold Model	34	(6)
Phonological Processes	40	(4)
Summary	44	(5)
Part Three Morphology and Syntax
Phonology vs. Morphology	49	(2)
Deriving Nouns from Verbs in ASL	51	(5)
Compounds	56	(6)
Lexicalized Fingerspelling and Loan Signs	62	(8)
Numeral Incorporation	70	(4)
The Function of Space in ASL	74	(2)
Verbs in ASL	76	(8)
Simple Sentences in ASL	84	(6)
Classifier Predicates	90	(10)
Classifier Predicates and Signer Perspective	100	(5)
Temporal Aspect	105	(5)
Derivational vs. Inflectional Morphology	110	(3)
Syntax	113	(14)
Basic Sentence Types	127	(8)
Time in ASL	135	(6)
Part Four Semantics
The Meaning of Individual Signs	141	(11)
The Meaning of Sentences	152	(9)
Part Five Language in Use
Variation and Historical Change	161	(8)
ASL Discourse	169	(8)
Bilingualism and Language Contact	177	(7)
Language as Art	184	(9)
Part Six Supplemental Readings
Analyzing Signs	193	(37)
Robbin Battison
Why Study Language?	213	(2)
Course Objectives	215	(3)
``Good'' Language	218	(6)
Arbitrariness in Language	224	(6)
Signs Have Parts: A Simple Idea	230	(12)
Robbin Battison
Introduction to A Dictionary of American Sign Language	242	(38)
William C. Stokoe
Dorothy C. Casterline
Carl G. Croneberg
What Is Phonetics?	258	(2)
Representing Speech Sounds	260	(5)
What Is Phonology?	265	(2)
The Value of Sounds: Phonemes	267	(6)
Phonological Rules	273	(7)
American Sign Language: The Phonological Base	280	(56)
Scott K. Liddell
Robert E. Johnson
Morphology: Words and Word Formation	320	(5)
The Hierarchical Structure of Derived Words	325	(3)
Morphological Processes	328	(8)
The Confluence of Space and Language in Signed Languages	336	(29)
Karen Emmorey
Indicating Verbs and Pronouns: Pointing Away from Agreement	365	(13)
Scott K. Liddell
Syntax: Sentences and Their Structure	378	(4)
Edward Finegan
Niko Besnier
Syntax: The Analysis of Sentence Structure	382	(30)
William O'Grady
Semantics: The Analysis of Meaning	412	(39)
William O'Grady
Introduction to Language Variation	440	(4)
Variation at Different Levels of Linguistic Structure	444	(2)
Language and Socioeconomic Status	446	(5)
Analyzing Variation in Sign Languages: Theoretical and Methodological Issues	451	(22)
Rob Hoopes
Mary Rose
Robert Bayley
Ceil Lucas
Alyssa Wulf
Karen Petronio
Steven Collins
Sociolinguistic Aspects of the Black Deaf Community	473	(13)
Anthony J. Aramburo
Variation: Basic Concepts	486	(4)
Ceil Lucas
Robert Bayley
Clayton Valli
Discourse Analysis	490	(26)
Melanie Metzger
Ben Bahan
Language Contact in the American Deaf Community	516	(23)
Ceil Lucas
Clayton Valli
Index	539