Seminar: "Lexicon in Local Sign Languages and International Sign (Language): Structural Properties and Usage"

The discussant is the Associate Professor of French Dr. Merilyn Meristo.

All are welcome! More about the newly established research group of sign language here.

The paper provides an overview of current issues related to the analysis of lexical items that have emerged and stabilized over time in national sign languages (SLs) and international sign language (Intel). The issues considered are divided into three main parts: (a) classification and decomposition of lexical items in national SLs IntSL (b) differences and similarities in phonetic-phonological and lexico-semantic structure in national SLs, IntSL and emerging sign languages (including village sign languages), and (c) relationship between lexical items in national SLs and IntSL and structural iconicity. The next part of the paper deals with issues related to the use of lexical items in IntSL, including lexical choice/negotiation, language contact in specific national SLs and international SL, and acquisition and comprehension.