Sign Language and Linguistic Universals

Sign languages are of great interest to linguists,
because while they are the product of the same brain, their physical
transmission differs greatly from that of spoken languages. In this pioneering
and original study, Wendy Sandler and Diane Lillo-Martin compare sign languages
with spoken languages, in order to seek the universal properties they share.
Drawing on general linguistic theory, they describe and analyse sign language
structure, showing linguistic universals in the phonology, morphology, and
syntax of sign language, while also revealing non-universal aspects of its
structure that must be attributed to its physical transmission system. No prior
background in sign language linguistics is assumed, and numerous pictures are
provided to make descriptions of signs and facial expressions accessible to
readers. Engaging and informative, Sign Language and Linguistic Universals will
be invaluable to linguists, psychologists, and all those interested in sign
languages, linguistic theory and the universal properties of human languages.