Phonetics and Phonology of Language C - sign language

obligatory courses

Classroom

Course offers an introduction to basic topics of phonology and phonetics of sign languages (with particular focus on Polish Sign Language). Lectures give theoretical background on the subject but incorporates as well some practical elements on analysis of phonological sign language data.

Introduction to the subject of phonology and phonetics of sign languages (SL) and presentation of current methodological tools for phonological analysis of SL.

General topics for the course:

• introduction to the basic terminology of phonology and phonetics

• spatial-visual modality

• sign language phonetics – overview

• sign language phonology – historical overview (W. Stokoe, S.K. Liddell)

• W. Sandler’s phonological model for SLs

• D. Brentari’s prosodic model for SLs

• phonetic transcriptions for SLs

• transcription of phonological models

• phonological processes in SLs

If classroom learning is impossible, classes will be conducted with the help of distance communication tools, most probably Google Meet and others recommended by the University.

Brentari, D. 1999. A Prosodic Model of Sign Language Phonology, MIT Press,

Cambridge.

Brentari, D., 2009, Modality differences in sign language phonology an morphophonemics. In Meier R.P., Cormier K., Quinto-Pozos D. (eds.), Modality and Structure in Signed and Spoken Languages, Cambridge University Press.

Brentari, D. 2010. Handshape in Sign Language Phonology, In M. van Oostendorp, C. Ewen, E. Hume i K. Rice (eds.), Companion to Phonology. New York/Oxford: Wiley-Blackwells.

Fenlon, J., K. Cormier I D. Brentari. 2018. The phonology of sign languages. In

A. Bosch (ed.), Routledge Handbook of Phonological Theory. NY: Routledge.

Jantunen, T., Takkinen, R. 2010. Syllable structure in sign language phonology. In Brenatri, D. (ed.), Sign languages, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 312-331.

Kelsall S., (BMC), Movement and Location Notation for Americna Sign Language, http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/Linguistics/Papers /2006/kelsall_sarah.pdf, 2006 r.

Liddell, S. K. 2003. Grammar, Gesture, and Meaning in American Sign Language,

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Sandler, W., Lillo-Martin, D. C. 2006. Sign language and linguistic universals.

Cambridge, UK ; New York: Cambridge University Press.

Sandler, W. 2005. Phonology, Phonetics, and the Non-dominant Hand. In L.

Goldstein, D. Whalen & C. Best (eds.), Papers in Laboratory Phonology: Varieties

of Phonological Competence. Berlin: Mouton-de Gruyte.

Stokoe, W. C. 1960. Sign Language Structure: An Outline of the Visual Communication Systems of the American Deaf. In Studies in Linguistics: Occasional Papers, Buffalo: Department of Anthropology and Linguistics, University of Buffalo.

Tomaszewski, P., Rosik, P. 2007. Sygnały niemanualne a zdanie pojedyncze w Polskim Języku Migowym: gramatyka twarzy, "Poradnik Językowy" z.1., p. 33 – 49.

Willbur, R. 2011. Sign Syllables. In The Blackwell Companion to Phonology, Oostendorp, van M., Ewen, C.J., Hume, E., Rice, K. (eds.), Oxford: Blackwell, p. 1309-1334.

After finishing the course student:

KNOWLEDGE

● knows basic phonology and phonetic terminology for sign languages

● has general knowledge of phonological theoretical models for sign languages

● distinguishes different types of notation systems for SL

● knows phonological processes in SLs

● has knowledge on existing of specialized literature on the subject, identifies main sign language researchers

SKILLS

● gives the definition of a phoneme and a syllable for SL,

● describes phonological parameters of a sign

● identifies examples of particular phonological processes in sign language text

● writes a non-complex sign using Hamburg Notation System (HamNoSyS)

● describes non-complex signs using phonological models for SL

ATTITUDES

● is open minded to differences between visual-spatial modality and vocal-auditory modality

● recognizes and accepts differences among phonetic systems of languages of the world (having regard to the specific nature of sign language system)

● is focused on refreshing his knowledge on the subject

● is prepared to work unassisted, is able to put the theory he has learned into practice

Factors which will influence the final grade:

● written exam — 50%,

● term paper — 40%

● attendance— 10%,

Student evaluation is based on the assessment criteria:

● above 90% – 5

● 85%-90% – 4,5

● 76%-84% – 4

● 70%-75% – 3,5

● 60%-69% – 3

Assessments criteria

Semester:

written exam— 50%; term paper — 40%; attendance —10%.

Students are required to attend all the classes. The allowed number of unexcused absences is 2 per 30 contact hours. When the number of allowed absences is exceeded, the student will be given additional tasks aimed at making up for the material missed from the classes by that student. If the number of absences exceeds 50% or more, it will result in a negative grade from the course.