Sign Language Linguistics: A Conversation with Carol Padden

Howard Burton

Oct 2020 · Open Agenda Publishing

About this ebook

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and renowned researcher of sign languages Carol Padden, the Sanford I. Berman Chair in Language and Human Communication at UC San Diego. This extensive conversation covers topics such as growing up with ASL, Carol’s early work with Bill Stokoe, the linguistic complexity, structure and properties of ASL and other sign languages, the development of new sign languages throughout the world, the role of gesture and embodiment, and much more. 

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Heeding the Signs, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

I. Choosing languages - Faulty assumptions and different sides

II. Distance Education - A formative experience

III. Signing as Language - Bill Stokoe and the development of ASL

IV. Diversity and Structure - The many shades of sign languages

V. Distinctiveness - Language, identity, and the question of affordances

VI. Embodiment - Making sense of the world around us through our bodies

VII. A Cultural Window - Change, humour and balance

VIII. Predictions and Proclivities - Speculations on the future, fillers and gender markers

IX. Examining Diversity - Brain scans, sign-twisters and gesturing Italians

X. Making Comparison - Efficiency, community and complexity

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.