Introduction to BSL Linguistics

Course review:

With 35 hours of tutor contact time it is suitable for those who have not previously studied BSL Linguistics in any depth, and will provide the underpinning knowledge needed to describe the language required for the Level 6 programmes in BSL and Interpreting.

The course provides an introduction to the analysis and description of BSL and is aimed at professionals, both Deaf and hearing, working with BSL and will cover essential linguistic tools. We will discuss the structure and use of BSL at many levels, from the smallest units making up a sign, through the use of mouth patterns and non-manual features, and to the ways that verbs show a range of linguistic information and the issues surrounding sign order in BSL.

Sign language storytelling and poetry is another area of focus. By the end of the course, participants will have a clearer understanding of the ways that sign linguistic theory can help describe BSL, and how they can apply this understanding to their daily work with BSL.