French Asl

Decoding French ASL: A Comprehensive Guide to French Sign Language

Introduction:

Are you fascinated by the world of sign languages? Perhaps you're planning a trip to France, working with deaf individuals, or simply curious about the rich linguistic diversity of the world. Whatever your reason, understanding French Sign Language (LSF, Langue des Signes Française) is an enriching endeavor. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the intricacies of French ASL, covering its history, grammar, common phrases, cultural significance, and resources for learning. We'll equip you with the knowledge and tools to embark on your journey into this vibrant communication system.


1. Understanding the Nuances: French ASL vs. American Sign Language (ASL)

It's crucial to clarify a common misconception: French ASL (LSF) is not the same as American Sign Language (ASL). While both are visual languages, they share little to no common vocabulary or grammatical structures. They are distinct languages with their own unique histories, dialects, and cultural contexts. This distinction is paramount when seeking resources or learning materials; using ASL resources to learn LSF will be largely ineffective.


2. A Glimpse into the History of LSF

The origins of LSF are complex and interwoven with the history of deaf communities in France. Unlike ASL, which developed largely independently in the United States, LSF’s evolution is tied to the influence of various sign languages throughout Europe. Its development was influenced by both formal instruction and organic evolution within deaf communities, resulting in a unique linguistic system that reflects French cultural and societal norms. Understanding this historical background provides valuable context for appreciating the language's intricacies.


3. Grammar and Structure: Unraveling the Syntax of LSF

LSF, like all languages, possesses its own grammatical rules. It’s a spatial language, meaning that the arrangement of signs in space conveys grammatical relationships. Concepts like subject-verb-object order differ significantly from spoken French and even ASL. Understanding spatial organization, verb agreement, and the use of classifiers (handshapes representing objects) is fundamental to comprehending LSF's grammatical structure. This section will explore key grammatical concepts with illustrative examples.


4. Essential Vocabulary and Phrases: Starting Your LSF Journey

Mastering basic vocabulary is the cornerstone of any language learning process. This section will introduce essential greetings, introductions, common verbs, and everyday phrases. We'll also discuss the importance of facial expressions and body language in LSF, which often convey subtle nuances of meaning and emotion. Learning a few foundational phrases will build your confidence and motivate you to continue learning.


5. Beyond the Basics: Advanced Concepts in LSF

Once you've grasped the fundamentals, delving into more advanced concepts will significantly enhance your fluency. This section will explore topics such as:

Dialectal variations: LSF, like any spoken language, has regional variations.
Figurative language: Understanding metaphors and idioms in LSF adds depth to communication.
Cultural context: The cultural significance of certain signs and communication styles.
Sign variations based on context and emotion: The same sign can have different meanings depending on its execution.

6. Resources and Tools for Learning LSF:

This section will provide a curated list of valuable resources for learning LSF, including:

Online courses: Websites and platforms offering structured LSF lessons.
Dictionaries and glossaries: Essential tools for understanding sign vocabulary.
Books and learning materials: Comprehensive texts to supplement online learning.
LSF communities and forums: Opportunities for interaction and practice with native signers.
Local deaf communities and organizations: Direct engagement with the deaf community for cultural immersion.


7. The Cultural Significance of LSF in France:

Understanding LSF is not merely about learning a language; it’s about gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage of the French deaf community. This section will explore the history of deaf advocacy in France, the role of LSF in social inclusion, and the significance of LSF in maintaining cultural identity within the deaf community.


8. Overcoming Common Challenges in Learning LSF:

Learning any sign language requires dedication and patience. This section addresses common challenges faced by LSF learners, offering practical advice and strategies for overcoming obstacles, such as:

Memory retention: Techniques for effectively memorizing signs and vocabulary.
Spatial awareness: Improving your understanding of spatial grammar.
Finding practice opportunities: Suggestions for maximizing interaction with LSF speakers.


9. Conclusion: Embracing the Beauty of LSF


Learning LSF is a rewarding journey that opens up new avenues for communication and cross-cultural understanding. By embracing the challenge and utilizing the resources available, you can unlock the richness of this vibrant language and connect with a diverse community.


Article Outline: "Decoding French ASL: A Comprehensive Guide to French Sign Language"

I. Introduction: Hooks the reader, provides a brief overview of the article's contents.
II. French ASL vs. ASL: Clarifies the distinction between the two languages.
III. History of LSF: Explores the historical development of LSF.
IV. Grammar and Structure: Details the grammatical rules of LSF.
V. Essential Vocabulary and Phrases: Introduces basic vocabulary and phrases.
VI. Advanced Concepts in LSF: Covers dialectal variations, figurative language, and cultural context.
VII. Resources for Learning LSF: Provides a curated list of learning resources.
VIII. Cultural Significance of LSF: Discusses the cultural impact of LSF in France.
IX. Challenges and Strategies for Learning LSF: Addresses common learning difficulties and provides solutions.
X. Conclusion: Summarizes key points and encourages further learning.


(The detailed content for each point of the outline is already included in the main article above.)


FAQs:

1. Is French Sign Language the same as American Sign Language? No, they are distinct languages with different grammars and vocabularies.
2. Where can I find online resources to learn French Sign Language? Numerous websites and platforms offer online courses and dictionaries. Search for "LSF online courses."
3. How long does it take to become fluent in LSF? Fluency depends on individual learning styles and dedication, but significant progress can be made with consistent effort.
4. Are there any LSF communities I can join for practice? Yes, search online for local deaf communities or LSF learning groups.
5. Is it necessary to know French to learn LSF? While helpful, it's not strictly necessary. Focus on learning the signs and grammar first.
6. What are some common mistakes made by LSF beginners? Common mistakes include incorrect handshapes, spatial organization issues, and neglecting facial expressions.
7. How important is facial expression in LSF? Facial expressions are crucial in LSF; they convey grammatical information and emotional nuances.
8. Are there any books or textbooks recommended for learning LSF? Several textbooks are available, both in print and online. Look for those specifically designed for LSF learners.
9. Can I learn LSF effectively through self-study? Self-study is possible, but supplementing it with interaction with native speakers is highly beneficial.



Related Articles:

1. Learning Sign Language for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide: Introduces basic concepts and techniques for learning any sign language.
2. The Importance of Inclusive Communication: The Role of Sign Languages: Discusses the social impact and benefits of sign language learning.
3. A Comparison of Sign Languages Across the Globe: Examines the diversity and similarities of sign languages worldwide.
4. The History of Deaf Education in France: Details the historical context of deaf education and its influence on LSF.
5. Mastering LSF Grammar: A Deep Dive into Spatial Organization: Focuses specifically on the grammatical structure of LSF.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning LSF: Provides practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls in learning LSF.
7. Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals in France: Provides information on resources and support available to the deaf community in France.
8. Cultural Nuances in French Sign Language: Explores the subtle cultural aspects embedded within LSF.
9. Technology and Sign Language: Accessibility Tools and Apps: Discusses the role of technology in making sign language more accessible.


  french asl: Deafness, Gesture and Sign Language in the 18th Century French Philosophy Josef Fulka, 2020-04-15 The book represents a historical overview of the way the topic of gesture and sign language has been treated in the 18th century French philosophy. The texts treated are grouped into several categories based on the view they present of deafness and gesture. While some of those texts obviously view deafness and sign language in negative terms, i.e. as deficiency, others present deafness essentially as difference, i.e. as a set of competences that might provide some insights into how spoken language works. One of the arguments of the book is that these two views of deafness and sign language still represent two dominant paradigms present in the current debates on the issue. The aim of the book, therefore, is not only to provide a historical overview but to trace what might be called a “history of the present”.
  french asl: Topics in Signed Language Interpreting Terry Janzen, 2005-01-01 LC number: 2005050067
  french asl: French Applied Linguistics Dalila Ayoun, 2007-01-11 This state-of-the-art volume on French Applied Linguistics includes two introductory chapters, the first summarizes the past, present and future of French in applied linguistics, and the second reviews the history of French from a sociolinguistic perspective. The six chapters of the first part cover the core aspects of the second language acquisition of French: phonology, semantics/syntax, syntax/morphology, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and grammatical gender. The seven chapters of the second part explore the contribution of French in various subfields of applied linguistics such as language ideology and foreign language pedagogy, corpus linguistics, and French Sign Language. A chapter studies the role of affective variables on language learning, while another investigates natural language and lexical creativity. The chapters on creole studies and applied linguistics in West Africa address issues in first and second language acquisition in complex sociolinguistic and political contexts. The last chapter serves as an epilogue focusing on Louisiana, a region rich in linguistic history.
  french asl: Sign Language Jim G. Kyle, James Kyle, Bencie Woll, 1988-02-26 The discovery of the importance of sign language in the deaf community is very recent indeed. This book provides a study of the communication and culture of deaf people, and particularly of the deaf community in Britain. The authors' principal aim is to inform educators, psychologists, linguists and professionals working with deaf people about the rich language the deaf have developed for themselves - a language of movement and space, of the hands and of the eyes, of abstract communication as well as iconic story telling. The first chapters of the book discuss the history of sign language use, its social aspects and the issues surrounding the language acquisition of deaf children (BSL) follows, and the authors also consider how the signs come into existence, change over time and alter their meanings, and how BSL compares and contrasts with spoken languages and other signed languages. Subsequent chapters examine sign language learning from a psychological perspective and other cognitive issues. The book concludes with a consideration of the applications of sign language research, particularly in the contentious field of education. There is still much to be discovered about sign language and the deaf community, but the authors have succeeded in providing an extensive framework on which other researchers can build, from which professionals can develop a coherent practice for their work with deaf people, and from which hearing parents of deaf children can draw the confidence to understand their children's world.
  french asl: American Sign Language Charlotte Lee Baker-Shenk, Dennis Cokely, 1991 The videocassettes illustrate dialogues for the text it accompanies, and also provides ASL stories, poems and dramatic prose for classroom use. Each dialogue is presented three times to allow the student to converse with each signer. Also demonstrates the grammar and structure of sign language. The teacher's text on grammar and culture focuses on the use of three basic types of sentences, four verb inflections, locative relationships and pronouns, etc. by using sign language. The teacher's text on curriculum and methods gives guidelines on teaching American Sign Language and Structured activities for classroom use.
  french asl: Linguistics of American Sign Language Clayton Valli, Ceil Lucas, 2000 New 4th Edition completely revised and updated with new DVD now available; ISBN 1-56368-283-4.
  french asl: International Review of Sign Linguistics William Edmondson, Ronnie B. Wilbur, 2013-06-17 The International Review of Sign Linguistics -- which replaces the International Journal of Sign Linguistics -- is planned as an annual series publishing the most up-to-date scholarly work in all aspects of sign language linguistics. There is no other comparable publication. The international community of sign linguists needs an authoritative outlet for its research findings. IRSL provides this forum for sign linguists, and for those mainstream linguists increasingly interested in sign languages, by filling the void in linguistic analysis of sign language -- as opposed to other concerns, such as deaf education, teaching sign languages, training interpreters, etc. -- and by pulling together in one place linguistic dialogue on sign language structure. It provides a scholarly focus for all linguists who need to remain current with developments in sign linguistics. For the growing international community, IRSL provides a focus for developments within the field and for advancement of the field in scattered research communities. This review contains seven articles covering a wide range of linguistic areas, signed languages, and theoretical perspectives. Papers deal with the lexicon, morphology, phonology, syntax, pragmatics, prosody, metalinguistic issues, and socio-historical change. Five signed languages are represented including American, German, Australian, French, and Israeli.
  french asl: A Historical and Etymological Dictionary of American Sign Language Emily Shaw, Yves Delaporte, 2015 Dictionary of all know texts featuring illustrations of early American Sign Language and historical images of French Sign language and linking them with contemporary signs--
  french asl: The Linguistics Encyclopedia Kirsten Malmkjær, 2002 This thoroughly revised and updated volume offers comprehensive coverage of the major and subsiduary fields of linguistic study.
  french asl: Come Sign with Us Jan Christian Hafer, Robert Mills Wilson, 1996 Here is a fully illustrated activities manual for teaching children sign language. Come Sign With Us features more than 300 line drawings of adults and children signing familiar words, phrases, and sentences using American Sign Language (ASL) signs in English word order. Each of the twenty lively lessons introduces ten selected target vocabulary words in a format familiar and exciting to children. Used in conjunction with reading and grammar studies, sign language can improve vocabulary retention and reading comprehension. All signs have equivalent words listed in English and Spanish as well. Come Sign With Us shows exactly how to form each sign, and offers a variety of follow-up activities and practice signing in realistic situations.
  french asl: Linguistic Legitimacy and Social Justice Timothy Reagan, 2019-02-28 This book examines the nature of human language and the ideology of linguistic legitimacy – the common set of beliefs about language differences that leads to the rejection of some language varieties and the valorization of others. It investigates a broad range of case studies of languages and dialects which have for various reasons been considered 'low-status' including: African American English, Spanglish, American Sign Language, Yiddish, Esperanto and other constructed languages, indigenous languages in post-colonial neo-European societies, and Afrikaans and related language issues in South Africa. Further, it discusses the implications of the ideology of linguistic legitimacy for the teaching and learning of foreign languages in the US. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book provides a readable and pedagogically useful tool to help readers comprehend the nature of human language, and the ways in which attitudes about human language can have either positive or negative consequences for communities and their languages. It will be of particular interest to language teachers and teacher educators, as well as students and scholars of applied linguistics, intercultural communication, minority languages and language extinction.
  french asl: Britannica Student Encyclopedia Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc, 2014-05-01 Entertaining and informative, the newly updated Britannica Student Encyclopedia helps children gain a better understanding of their world. Updated for 2015, more than 2,250 captivating articles cover everything from Barack Obama to video games. Children are sure to immerse themselves in 2,700 photos, charts, and tables that help explain concepts and subjects, as well as 1,200 maps and flags from across the globe. Britannica Student is curriculum correlated and a recent winner of the 2008 Teachers Choice Award and 2010 AEP Distinguished achievement award.
  french asl: Encyclopedia of Linguistics Philipp Strazny, 2013-02-01 Utilizing a historical and international approach, this valuable two-volume resource makes even the more complex linguistic issues understandable for the non-specialized reader. Containing over 500 alphabetically arranged entries and an expansive glossary by a team of international scholars, the Encyclopedia of Linguistics explores the varied perspectives, figures, and methodologies that make up the field.
  french asl: Sign Bilingualism Carolina Plaza-Pust, Esperanza Morales-López, 2008-09-26 This volume provides a unique cross-disciplinary perspective on the external ecological and internal psycholinguistic factors that determine sign bilingualism, its development and maintenance at the individual and societal levels. Multiple aspects concerning the dynamics of contact situations involving a signed and a spoken or a written language are covered in detail, i.e. the development of the languages in bilingual deaf children, cross-modal contact phenomena in the productions of child and adult signers, sign bilingual education concepts and practices in diverse social contexts, deaf educational discourse, sign language planning and interpretation. This state-of-the-art collection is enhanced by a final chapter providing a critical appraisal of the major issues emerging from the individual studies in the light of current assumptions in the broader field of contact linguistics. Given the interdependence of research, policy and practice, the insights gathered in the studies presented are not only of scientific interest, but also bear important implications concerning the perception, understanding and promotion of bilingualism in deaf individuals whose language acquisition and use have been ignored for a long time at the socio-political and scientific levels.
  french asl: An Introduction to Psycholinguistics Danny D. Steinberg, Natalia V. Sciarini, 2013-10-08 Learning About Language is an exciting and ambitious series of introductions to fundamental topics in language, linguistics and related areas. The books are designed for students of linguistics and those who are studying language as part of a wider course. Cognitive Linguistics explores the idea that language reflects our experience of the world. It shows that our ability to use language is closely related to other cognitive abilities such as categorization, perception, memory and attention allocation. Concepts and mental images expressed and evoked by linguistic means are linked by conceptual metaphors and metonymies and merged into more comprehensive cognitive and cultural models, frames or scenarios. It is only against this background that human communication makes sense. After 25 years of intensive research, cognitive-linguistic thinking now holds a firm place both in the wider linguistic and the cognitive-science communities. An Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics carefully explains the central concepts of categoriza­tion, of prototype and gestalt perception, of basic level and conceptual hierarchies, of figure and ground, and of metaphor and metonymy, for which an innovative description is provided. It also brings together issues such as iconicity, lexical change, grammaticalization and language teaching that have profited considerably from being put on a cognitive basis. The second edition of this popular introduction provides a comprehensive and accessible up-to-date overview of Cognitive Linguistics: Clarifies the basic notions supported by new evidence and examples for their application in language learning Discusses major recent developments in the field: the increasing attention paid to metonymies, Construction Grammar, Conceptual Blending and its role in online-processing. Explores links with neighbouring fields like Relevance Theory Uses many diagrams and illustrations to make the theoretical argument more tangible Includes extended exercises Provides substantial updated suggestions for further reading.
  french asl: Manual Communication Harry Bornstein, 1990 Manual codes on English and American sign language / Joseph Stedt, Donald F. Moores -- A manual communication overview / Harry Bornstein -- Communication in classrooms for deaf students / Thomas E. Allen, Michael Karchmer -- Sign English in the education of deaf students / James Woodward -- ASL and its implications for education / Robert J. Hoffmeister -- Signing exact English / Gerilee Gustason -- Signed English / Harry Bornstein -- Cued speech / Elizabeth L. Kipila, Barbara Williams-Scott -- Manual communication with those who can hear / George R. Karlan -- Some afterwords / Harry Bornstein.
  french asl: Easy Guide to American Sign Language SparkNotes, 2017-01-23 Learn How to Sign the Easy Way! So many language books start off with everything that you don’t need to know. Of course, anybody who wants to become fluent in another language needs to learn its grammar, sentence structure, and idiosyncrasies. But what if there’s no time to become fluent? For people who just need or want to dive in and start communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), there’s a quick, easy solution: Easy Guide to American Sign Language. Inside this handy little book are over 500 basic signs that will give you all the necessary tools for starting out in ASL. Here you will find phrases to help you start a basic conversation in the classroom or on the road. The signs are grouped by subject, in chapters, so you can quickly flip to the page you need to find: Alphabet and Numbers Greetings and Phrases Family Members and People Food and Meals Emotions and Feelings Nature and the Weather Easy Guide to American Sign Language is your fun and handy passport to ASL.
  french asl: Ten Lectures on Cognitive Linguistics and the Unification of Spoken and Signed Languages Sherman Wilcox, 2017-11-06 In Ten Lectures on Cognitive Linguistics and the Unification of Spoken and Signed Languages Sherman Wilcox suggests that rather than abstracting away from the material substance of language, linguists can discover the deep connections between signed and spoken languages by taking an embodied view. This embodied solution reveals the patterns and principles that unite languages across modalities. Using a multidisciplinary approach, Wilcox explores such issues as the how to apply cognitive grammar to the study of signed languages, the pervasive conceptual iconicity present throughout the lexicon and grammar of signed languages, the relation of language and gesture, the grammaticization of signs, the significance of motion for understanding language as a dynamic system, and the integration of cognitive neuroscience and cognitive linguistics.
  french asl: Clearinghouse Review , 2004
  french asl: The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia Genie Gertz, Patrick Boudreault, 2016-01-05 The time has come for a new in-depth encyclopedic collection of articles defining the current state of Deaf Studies at an international level and using the critical and intersectional lens encompassing the field. The emergence of Deaf Studies programs at colleges and universities and the broadened knowledge of social sciences (including but not limited to Deaf History, Deaf Culture, Signed Languages, Deaf Bilingual Education, Deaf Art, and more) have served to expand the activities of research, teaching, analysis, and curriculum development. The field has experienced a major shift due to increasing awareness of Deaf Studies research since the mid-1960s. The field has been further influenced by the Deaf community’s movement, resistance, activism and politics worldwide, as well as the impact of technological advances, such as in communications, with cell phones, computers, and other devices. A major goal of this new encyclopedia is to shift focus away from the “Medical/Pathological Model” that would view Deaf individuals as needing to be “fixed” in order to correct hearing and speaking deficiencies for the sole purpose of assimilating into mainstream society. By contrast, The Deaf Studies Encyclopedia seeks to carve out a new and critical perspective on Deaf Studies with the focus that the Deaf are not a people with a disability to be treated and “cured” medically, but rather, are members of a distinct cultural group with a distinct and vibrant community and way of being.
  french asl: Sign Languages of the World Julie Bakken Jepsen, Goedele De Clerck, Sam Lutalo-Kiingi, William B. McGregor, 2015-10-16 Although a number of edited collections deal with either the languages of the world or the languages of particular regions or genetic families, only a few cover sign languages or even include a substantial amount of information on them. This handbook provides information on some 38 sign languages, including basic facts about each of the languages, structural aspects, history and culture of the Deaf communities, and history of research. This information will be of interest not just to general audiences, including those who are deaf, but also to linguists and students of linguistics. By providing information on sign languages in a manner accessible to a less specialist audience, this volume fills an important gap in the literature.
  french asl: Peer Prejudice and Discrimination Harold D. Fishbein, 2014-04-08 This book is an ideal text for advanced level courses on prejudice and/or prejudice and discrimination, or as a supplement in social psych and dev psych courses. It will feature a new chap on the influence of peers, parents and personality on prejudice.
  french asl: The Routledge Handbook of Sign Language Pedagogy Russell S. Rosen, 2019-09-17 The Routledge Handbook of Sign Language Pedagogy is the first reference of its kind, presenting contributions from leading experts in the field of sign language pedagogy. The Handbook fills a significant gap in the growing field of sign language pedagogy, compiling all essential aspects of current trends and empirical research in teaching, curricular design, and assessment in one volume. Each chapter includes historical perspectives, core issues, research approaches, key findings, pedagogical implications, future research direction, and additional references. The Routledge Handbook of Sign Language Pedagogy is an essential reference for sign language teachers, practitioners, and researchers in applied sign linguistics and first, second, and additional language learning.
  french asl: The Deaf Awakening in France André Minguy, 2019-06-27 I did not become deeply committed to the cause of bilingualism by pure chance : my commitment stemmed from my own observations and thoughts on the communication situations that I had experienced throughout my personal and professional life. Before describing the birth of the bilingual education movement, this book recalls the gradual rise of the interest in sign language that then developed into the struggle for bilingualism, starting in the nineteen seventies and right up to the present day. This growing interest and the many different initiatives and actions that it prompted through the French bilingual movement in the final decades of the 20th century, finally led to the official recognition of French Sign Language in 2005.
  french asl: The Syntax of American Sign Language Carol Jan Neidle, 2000 Recent research on the syntax of signed language has revealed that, apart from some modality-specific differences, signed languages are organized according to the same underlying principles as spoken languages. This book addresses the organization and distribution of functional categories in American Sign Language (ASL), focusing on tense, agreement and wh-constructions.
  french asl: American Sign Language Green Books, a Student Text Units 1-9 Dennis Cokely, Charlotte Baker-Shenk, 1991 The first volume in a three-volume guide that introduces beginning students to conversational American Sign Language (ASL).
  french asl: Psycholinguistics Danny D. Steinberg, Hiroshi Nagata, David P. Aline, 2013-10-23 How do we learn to produce and comprehend speech? How does language relate to thought? This second edition of the successful text Psycholinguistics- Language, Mind and World considers the psychology of language as it relates to learning, mind and brain as well as various aspects of society and culture. Current issues and research topics are presented in an in-depth manner, although little or no specific knowledge of any topic is presupposed. The book is divided into four main parts: First Language Learning Second Language Learning Language, Mind and Brain Mental Grammar and Language Processing These four sections include chapters covering areas such as- deaf language education, first language acquisition and first language reading, second language acquisition, language teaching and the problems of bilingualism. Updated throughout, this new edition also considers and proposes new theories in psycholinguistics and linguistics, and introduces a new theory of grammar, Natural Grammar, which is the only current grammar that is based on the primacy of the psycholinguistic process of speech comprehension, derives speech production from that process. Written in an accessible and fluent style, Psycholinguistics- Language, Mind and World will be of interest to students, lecturers and researchers from linguistics, psychology, philosophy and second language teaching.
  french asl: Independence Without Sight Or Sound Dona Sauerburger, 1993 Independence without Sight or Sound covers the essential aspects of communicating and working with deaf-blind adults--individuals who have both vision and hearing loss. Written in a personal and informal style, it is filled with practical information for any professional who works with someone who is deaf-blind, such as how to talk with someone who is deaf-blind, how deaf-blind people can communicate with strangers and interact with people in public, and how they can overcome isolation and assert control over their own life. Written by an expert in orientation and mobility, this guide emphasizes adapting orientation and mobility techniques for deaf-blind travelers.
  french asl: The Study of Language George Yule, 2010-03-04 This best-selling textbook provides an engaging and user-friendly introduction to the study of language. Assuming no prior knowledge in the subject, Yule presents information in short, bite-sized sections, introducing the major concepts in language study – from how children learn language to why men and women speak differently, through all the key elements of language. This fourth edition has been revised and updated with twenty new sections, covering new accounts of language origins, the key properties of language, text messaging, kinship terms and more than twenty new word etymologies. To increase student engagement with the text, Yule has also included more than fifty new tasks, including thirty involving data analysis, enabling students to apply what they have learned. The online study guide offers students further resources when working on the tasks, while encouraging lively and proactive learning. This is the most fundamental and easy-to-use introduction to the study of language.
  french asl: Language in the USA Edward Finegan, John R. Rickford, 2004-06-24 Publisher Description
  french asl: An Introduction to the Languages of the World Anatole Lyovin, Brett Kessler, William Ronald Leben, 2017 The only textbook of its kind, An Introduction to the Languages of the World is designed to introduce beginning linguistics students, who now typically start their study with little background in languages, to the variety of the languages of the world.
  french asl: Recent Perspectives on American Sign Language Harlan L. Lane, Francois Grosjean, 2017-09-29 Published in 1989, Recent Perspectives on American Sign Language is a valuable contribution to the field of Cognitive Psychology.
  french asl: Foreign Vocabulary in Sign Languages Diane Brentari, 2001-03-01 This book takes a close look at the ways that five sign languages borrow elements from the surrounding, dominant spoken language community where each is situated. It offers careful analyses of semantic, morphosyntactic, and phonological adaption of forms taken from a source language (in this case a spoken language) to a recipient signed language. In addition, the contributions contained in the volume examine the social attitudes and cultural values that play a role in this linguistic process. Since the cultural identity of Deaf communities is manifested most strongly in their sign languages, this topic is of interest for cultural and linguistic reasons. Linguists interested in phonology, morphology, word formation, bilingualism, and linguistic anthropology will find this an interesting set of cases of language contact. Interpreters and sign language teachers will also find a wealth of interesting facts about the sign languages of these diverse Deaf communities.
  french asl: International Encyclopedia of Linguistics William Frawley, 2003-05 The International Encyclopedia of Linguistics, 2nd Edition encompasses the full range of the contemporary field of linguistics, including historical, comparative, formal, mathematical, functional, and philosophical linguistics with special attention given to interrelations within branches of linguistics and to relations of linguistics with other disciplines. Areas of intersection with the social and behavioral sciences--ethnolinguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and behavioral linguistics--receive major coverage, along with interdisciplinary work in language and literature, mathematical linguistics, computational linguistics, and applied linguistics.Longer entries in the International Encyclopedia of Linguistics, ranging up to four thousand words, survey the major fields of study--for example, anthropological linguistics, history of linguistics, semantics, and phonetics. Shorter entries treat specific topics within these fields, such as code switching, sound symbolism, and syntactic features. Other short entries define and discuss technical terms used within the various subfields or provide sketches of the careers of important scholars in the history of linguistics, such as Leonard Bloomfield, Roman Jakobson, and Edward Sapir.A major portion of the work is its extensive coverage of languages and language families. From those as familiar as English, Japanese, and the Romance languages to Hittite, Yoruba, and Nahuatl, all corners of the world receive treatment. Languages that are the subject of independent entries are analyzed in terms of their phonology, grammatical features, syntax, and writing systems. Lists attached to each article on a language group or family enumerate all languages, extinct or still spoken, within that group and provide detailed information on the number of known speakers, geographical range, and degree of intelligibility with other languages in the group. In this way, virtually every known language receives coverage.For ease of reference and to aid research, the articles are alphabetically arranged, each signed by the contributor, supported by up-to-date bibliographies, line drawings, maps, tables, and diagrams, and readily accessible via a system of cross-references and a detailed index and synoptic outline. Authoritative, comprehensive, and innovative, the 2nd edition of the International Encyclopedia of Linguistics will be an indispensable addition to personal, public, academic, and research libraries and will introduce a new generation of readers to the complexities and concerns of this field of study.
  french asl: Sign Language Research Sixty Years Later: Current and Future Perspectives Valentina Cuccio, Erin Wilkinson, Brigitte Garcia, Adam Schembri, Erin Moriarty, Sabina Fontana, 2022-11-14
  french asl: Sign Language Roland Pfau, Markus Steinbach, Bencie Woll, 2012-08-31 Sign language linguists show here that all questions relevant to the linguistic investigation of spoken languages can be asked about sign languages. Conversely, questions that sign language linguists consider - even if spoken language researchers have not asked them yet - should also be asked of spoken languages. The HSK handbook Sign Language aims to provide a concise and comprehensive overview of the state of the art in sign language linguistics. It includes 44 chapters, written by leading researchers in the field, that address issues in language typology, sign language grammar, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, sociolinguistics, and language documentation and transcription. Crucially, all topics are presented in a way that makes them accessible to linguists who are not familiar with sign language linguistics.
  french asl: Theoretical Issues in Sign Language Research, Volume 1 Susan D. Fischer, Patricia Siple, 1990-11-19 Only recently has linguistic research recognized sign languages as legitimate human languages with properties analogous to those cataloged for French or Navajo, for example. There are many different sign languages, which can be analyzed on a variety of levels—phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics—in the same way as spoken languages. Yet the recognition that not all of the principles established for spoken languages hold for sign languages has made sign languages a crucial testing ground for linguistic theory. Edited by Susan Fischer and Patricia Siple, this collection is divided into four sections, reflecting the traditional core areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Although most of the contributions consider American Sign Language (ASL), five treat sign languages unrelated to ASL, offering valuable perspectives on sign universals. Since some of these languages or systems are only recently established, they provide a window onto the evolution and growth of sign languages.
  french asl: The World Atlas of Language Structures Martin Haspelmath, 2005-07-21 The World Atlas of Language Structures is a book and CD combination displaying the structural properties of the world's languages. 142 world maps and numerous regional maps - all in colour - display the geographical distribution of features of pronunciation and grammar, such as number of vowels, tone systems, gender, plurals, tense, word order, and body part terminology. Each world map shows an average of 400 languages and is accompanied by a fully referenced description ofthe structural feature in question.The CD provides an interactive electronic version of the database which allows the reader to zoom in on or customize the maps, to display bibliographical sources, and to establish correlations between features. The book and the CD together provide an indispensable source of information for linguists and others seeking to understand human languages.The Atlas will be especially valuable for linguistic typologists, grammatical theorists, historical and comparative linguists, and for those studying a region such as Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. It will also interest anthropologists and geographers. More than fifty authors from many different countries have collaborated to produce a work that sets new standards in comparative linguistics. No institution involved in language research can afford to bewithout it.
  french asl: The Everything Sign Language Book Irene Duke, 2009-03-17 Discover the intricacies of American Sign Language with this comprehensive, essential guide to learning the basics of sign language. The appeal of American Sign Language (ASL) has extended beyond the Deaf community into the mainstream—it’s even popular as a class in high school and college. You are guided through the basics of ASL with clear instruction and more than 300 illustrations. With a minimum of time and effort, you will learn to sign: the ASL alphabet; questions and common expressions; numbers, money, and time. With info on signing etiquette, communicating with people in the Deaf community, and using ASL to aid child development, this book makes signing fun for the entire family.
  french asl: The Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics Claire Bowern, Bethwyn Evans, 2015-03-24 The Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics provides a survey of the field covering the methods which underpin current work; models of language change; and the importance of historical linguistics for other subfields of linguistics and other disciplines. Divided into five sections, the volume encompass a wide range of approaches and addresses issues in the following areas: historical perspectives methods and models language change interfaces regional summaries Each of the thirty-two chapters is written by a specialist in the field and provides: a introduction to the subject; an analysis of the relationship between the diachronic and synchronic study of the topic; an overview of the main current and critical trends; and examples from primary data. The Routledge Handbook of Historical Linguistics is essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students working in this area. Chapter 28 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 3.0 license. https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9781315794013.ch28