Chapter 1. Historical steps towards a new description of sign languages
-
Virginia Volterra
Abstract
In this chapter the factors that, in the past, gave rise to the first linguistic description of Italian Sign Language are examined along with the historical and social reasons behind these factors. The theoretical perspective underlying the description presented in this book is examined with a particular focus on the action-gesture-language continuity, which has been found in the acquisition of all spoken and signed languages. Four representational strategies that underlie the production of gestures in children and adults are shown to be also fundamental in the creation of signs. New theoretical assumptions that provide a better basis for descriptions of sign languages are presented and explained.
Abstract
In this chapter the factors that, in the past, gave rise to the first linguistic description of Italian Sign Language are examined along with the historical and social reasons behind these factors. The theoretical perspective underlying the description presented in this book is examined with a particular focus on the action-gesture-language continuity, which has been found in the acquisition of all spoken and signed languages. Four representational strategies that underlie the production of gestures in children and adults are shown to be also fundamental in the creation of signs. New theoretical assumptions that provide a better basis for descriptions of sign languages are presented and explained.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- From spoken to signed languages back and forth, between cognition and semiotics 1
- Chapter 1. Historical steps towards a new description of sign languages 7
- Chapter 2. The community 35
- Chapter 3. The basic units of LIS 63
- Chapter 4. Constructing sentences 101
- Chapter 5. Variation and change in LIS 133
- Chapter 6. Sign languages and spoken languages 165
- References 191
- Index 217
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- From spoken to signed languages back and forth, between cognition and semiotics 1
- Chapter 1. Historical steps towards a new description of sign languages 7
- Chapter 2. The community 35
- Chapter 3. The basic units of LIS 63
- Chapter 4. Constructing sentences 101
- Chapter 5. Variation and change in LIS 133
- Chapter 6. Sign languages and spoken languages 165
- References 191
- Index 217
