Trevor Johnston, Macquarie University
This course assumes a broad knowledge of linguistics equivalent to two or three years study at the undergraduate level. Detailed knowledge of signed languages, however, is not necessary. The course will begin with overview of the basic features of the phonology, morpho-syntax and sociolinguistics of Auslan. In addition, brief mention will also be made of signed language acquisition and neuro-linguistic research. The course will focus on the issue of the relationship between language and gesture. Language and gesture will be investigated first of all in the notions of Œverb agreement¹ and Œclassifier signs¹ and, secondly, on gestural elements as the source of grammaticalization pathways in signed languages.
Participants will gain some insight into the structure of signed languages and become aware of alternative explanations of two aspects of signed language grammar. They will learn about recent studies of language, gesture and visual representation that are challenging some young yet mainstream ideas about these languages. As a result, participants will be better placed to engage critically with the literature on signed languages, understand similarities and differences between signed and spoken (and written) language, and appreciate how the study of signed languages can inform the study of spoken languages by highlighting the essential characteristics of any linguistic system.
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