The Linguistics of British Sign Language

This is the first detailed explanation of the way British Sign Language works and is the product of many year’s experience of research and teaching of sign linguistics. It assumes no previous knowledge of linguistics or sign language, and it is not structured around traditional headings such as phonology, morphology and syntax. Instead it is set out in such a way as to help learners and their teachers understand the linguistic principles behind the language.

There are sections on BSL - and also on the use of BSL, including variation, social acceptability, in signing, and poetry and humour in BSL. Technical terms and linguistic jargon are kept to a minimum, and the text contains many examples from English, BSL, and other spoken and sign languages. The book is amply illustrated and contains exercises to encourage further thought on many of the topics covered, as well as a reading list for further study.

RACHEL SUTTON-SPENCE is Lecturer in Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol. Bencie Woll is Professor and Chair of Sign Language and Deaf Studies at City University London.

A 90-minute video has been produced containing specially designed exercise material to accompany the book. The video is available from CAC13P, Durham University Science Park, Block 4, Mountjoy Research Centre, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3UZ; or from www.deafbooks.com