Admission requirements
None
Description
Sign Language of the Netherlands (Nederlandse Gebarentaal, NGT) is the first language of many deaf people in the Netherlands. This language differs in grammar and lexicon of spoken Dutch. It also differs from Flemish Sign Language. Hearing people who have not learnt a sign language use gestures when they speak.
This course introduces you to the linguistic study of gestures and sign languages. Firstly, we will look at how culture and identity influence the use of gestures, and at the role of gestures in a) creating meaning, and b) the learning process.
Secondly, we will discuss the linguistic structures found in sign languages and their emergence, and how the structures are manipulated in artistic contexts.
Finally, we will trace the spread of the Old French Sign Language family across the world, and discuss the impact of language ideologies in society and education on the transmission and endangerment of sign languages.
As part of the course, students will make assignments involving making video recordings and annotating and analyzing them in ELAN.
Course objectives
The objective of the course is to develop a knowledge basis regarding:
The concepts central to sign language linguistics
The relation between signing and gesturing
Common ideologies and their impact on vitality and form of sign languages
The emergence and endangerment of sign languages
The distribution of the major sign language families worldwide
Also, the students will acquire practical skills in the form of:
Making video recordings of sign or gesture production
Annotating video data of signing or gesturing in ELAN
Analyzing sign or gesture data in ELAN
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assignment 1: 50%
Assignment 2: 50%
In case of failing the course, there is a resit opportunity for Assignment 2.
Grades will be communicated through Brightspace.
Reading list
Online reading material will be listed on Brighspace
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar
For questions related to the content of the course, please contact the lecturer, you can find their contact information by clicking on their name in the sidebar.
For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats E-mail address Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats: osz-oa-reuvensplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl
For questions regarding your studyprogress contact the Coordinator of Studies
Remarks
not applicable