The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction

This book gives a deep insight into British Sign Language and is great for anybody wanting to further their knowledge of more than just signs. Not for beginners as it would only cause confusion, in my opinion this is better for a signer wanting to improve and further their grasp on the linguistics of the language.

This book for me was essential reading for my BSL Stage 2 course. It covers sign orders and structures, negation, classifiers, storytelling, poetry and lots,lots more besides, without being too 'heavy'. The illustrations, of which there are many, only enhance it further still. (even though its true, I have to say that, as my sign language teacher is one of the people modelling the illustrations!!!) I have read this book from cover to cover, and I still continually refer to it. Having recently passed my BSL Stage 2 exam, I am now about to embark on a CSW (communication support worker) course, where I am in no doubt, this book will hold it's own once again. If you are thinking of buying this book, stop thinking, just get out there and buy it, you will be pleased you did!!!

This book has been an essential part of my degree course and I wouldn't have survived without it. It is written in clear, simple English, with plenty of photographs and examples. It is a great starting point to learn about the linguistics of BSL. There are also helpful questions at the end of each chapter which can be used as exam revision! Buy it!

This is the first true book for those interested in the structure and meaning of BSL, covering what is BSL and its place in all aspects of life. The book starts with interesting comparisons between spoken and signed languages and explains fully why both types have developed, what they mean and how they are used. No stone is unturned within the pages with topics such as religion, poetry and political correctness all inter-linked. With the chapters sub-divided to make even the 'heavy' parts seem easy to comprehend and excellent photographs and examples throughout, this book lives up to its claim of 'being the first detailed explanantion of the way British Sign Language works'. Not just another book about signing.