The Sociolinguistics of Sign Languages

by Ceil Lucas (Editor)

This is an accessible introduction to the major areas of sociolinguistics as they relate to sign languages and deaf communities. Clearly organized, it brings together a team of leading experts in sign linguistics to survey the field, and covers a wide range of topics including variation, multilingualism, bilingualism, language attitudes, discourse analysis, language policy and planning. Each chapter introduces the key issues in each area of inquiry and provides a comprehensive review of the literature. The book also includes suggestions for further reading and helpful exercises.

Genres: Linguistics

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Ceil Lucas, author of How I Got Here: A Memoir, is professor emerita of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where she taught linguistics through American Sign Language for 31 years before retiring in 2013. She began teaching Italian at all levels in 1973 and continues to do so. Lucas was born in the United States, but raised from ages 5 to 21 in Guatemala City and in Rome, Italy. She has edited or co-authored 22 books and also is editor of the scholarly journal, Sign Language Studies, published by Gallaudet University Press.

Reviews

[Beth]

This was a textbook wasn't it? Really short, chapters could have been expanded on for sure. Definitely interesting on minority groups coming into asl with families not speaking English but I'd have liked more. There kids are growing up as the bridge to American culture for the parents, how does that affect their relationships with their family?