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Sign Language and Linguistic Universals
Hardback
Main Details
| Title |
Sign Language and Linguistic Universals
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| Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Wendy Sandler
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By (author) Diane Lillo-Martin
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| Physical Properties |
| Format:Hardback | | Pages:570 | | Dimensions(mm): Height 244,Width 175 |
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| Category/Genre | Sign languages, Braille and other linguistic communication |
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| ISBN/Barcode |
9780521482486
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| Classifications | Dewey:419 |
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| Audience | | Professional & Vocational | |
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| Illustrations |
409 Halftones, unspecified; 5 Line drawings, unspecified
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Publishing Details |
| Publisher |
Cambridge University Press
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| Imprint |
Cambridge University Press
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| Publication Date |
2 February 2006 |
| Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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Description
Sign languages are of great interest to linguists, because while they are the product of the same brain, their physical transmission differs greatly from that of spoken languages. In this pioneering and original study, Wendy Sandler and Diane Lillo-Martin compare sign languages with spoken languages, in order to seek the universal properties they share. Drawing on general linguistic theory, they describe and analyze sign language structure, showing linguistic universals in the phonology, morphology, and syntax of sign language, while also revealing non-universal aspects of its structure that must be attributed to its physical transmission system. No prior background in sign language linguistics is assumed, and numerous pictures are provided to make descriptions of signs and facial expressions accessible to readers. Engaging and informative, Sign Language and Linguistic Universals will be invaluable to linguists, psychologists, and all those interested in sign languages, linguistic theory and the universal properties of human languages.
Author Biography
Wendy Sandler is Senior Lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Haifa, Israel. Diane Lillo-Martin is Professor and Head in the Department of Linguistics, University of Connecticut, and Senior Research Scientist at the Haskins Laboratories.
Reviews'This book quite nicely fills a void long present in the sign linguistics literature. Most sign linguistics volumes have focused on one particular issue or theme ... within just one sign language ... the book is very reasonably priced, and you get quite a lot for your money ... I recommend this book to linguists interested in learning more about sign languages. Given the overall theme, the book would be of particular interest to those studying language typology. I would also recommend this book to students who have some background in theoretical linguistics (particularly phonology and syntax), and to anyone who is interested in the nature of modality and human language.' Journal of Linguistics
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