Sociolinguistic Typology and Sign Languages

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Sign Language Studies

Background:

• Social determinants are proposed to influence morphological complexity.
• Linguistic diversity is linked to the typological nature of languages.
• Sign languages of deaf communities offer a unique case for studying these relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between social determinants and morphological complexity in sign languages.
• To explore how this relationship contributes to linguistic diversity.
• To apply Trudgill's (2011) criteria for morphological complexity to sign languages.

Main Methods:

• Applying Trudgill's (2011) criteria for morphological complexity to sign languages.
• Analyzing social characteristics of deaf communities and their potential impact on language typology.
• Considering factors like sign language acquisition variability and inter-signer contact.

Main Results:

• Sign languages generally display low to moderate levels of morphological complexity.
• Social factors, such as small community size and dense social networks, may influence complexity.
• Variable sign language acquisition and diverse signer interactions appear to counteract complexification.

Conclusions:

• The morphological complexity of sign languages is influenced by a complex interplay of social factors and acquisition patterns.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for a comprehensive view of sign language grammar and linguistic diversity.
• This contrasts with views suggesting inherently complex morphology in sign languages, highlighting the need to consider social determinants.