In this subject, students will explore the linguistic structure of sign languages. The formational structure of sign languages (phonology), the organisation of sign language lexicons and grammatical systems (lexicology, morphology, syntax, discourse), and the way in which meanings are expressed (semantics and pragmatics) are all considered. Data are drawn from Auslan (Australian Sign Language) together with examples from other sign languages. The subject also introduces students to issues involved in sociolinguistic variation, psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics of sign languages, as well as the relevance of sign language research for an understanding of human language in general.
