The first comprehensive introduction to Auslan, exploring key aspects of its structure and use.

This is first comprehensive introduction to the linguistics of Auslan, the sign language of Australia. Assuming no prior background in language study, it explores each key aspect of the structure of Auslan, providing an accessible overview of its grammar (how sentences are structured), phonology (the building blocks of signs), morphology (the structure of signs), lexicon (vocabulary), semantics (how meaning is created), and discourse (how Auslan is used in context). The authors also discuss a range of myths and misunderstandings about sign languages, provide an insight into the history and development of Auslan, and show how Auslan is related to other sign languages, such as those used in Britain, the USA and New Zealand. Complete with clear illustrations of the signs in use and useful further reading lists, this is an ideal resource for anyone interested in Auslan, as well as those seeking a clear, general introduction to sign language linguistics.

This book is a beginner's pocket dictionary of Australian Sign Language (Auslan). It features: easy to use alphabetical organization of Auslan ; English translations of Auslan signs ; 500 illustrations of signs with arrows showing movement ; detailed descriptions of how to produce each sign ; background information on Auslan ; examples of variation in Auslan ; fingerspelling and number sign charts ; handshape reference chart.

This series of books are designed to be used to help you learn signs under a category, and then use those signs in your daily life.

This book explores the dynamics of language changes from sociolinguistic and historical linguistic perspectives. With in-depth case studies from all around the world, it uses diverse approaches across sociolinguistics and historical linguistics to answer questions such as: How and why do language changes begin?; how do language changes spread?; and how can they ultimately be explained? Each chapter explores a different component of language change, including typology, syntax, morphology, phonology, semantics, lexicology, discourse strategies, diachronic change, synchronic change, how the deafblind modify sign language, and the accommodation of language to song. This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of language change over time, simultaneously advancing current research and suggesting new directions in sociolinguistic and historical linguistic approaches.

This dictionary remains the only one to include descriptions of how to perform the sign, and the vital context notes that allow the user to understand when a sign should, or should not be used.

Contains over forty key words based on American Sign Language.

Describes a unique case of sign language that served as an international language among numerous Native American nations not sharing a common spoken language. The book contains the most current descriptions of all levels of the language from phonology to discourse, as well as comparisons with other sign languages.

Learn how to communicate with your preverbal baby using baby sign language. The gift of communication between parents and their babies is one of life's true joys. With this exciting book, the process of communicating with your baby could happen sooner than you think! By introducing simple sign language into your home, your baby will soon be communicating what they want and need before they can speak! Studies in baby sign language have highlighted numerous benefits including: • Reduced frustration for Mum, Dad, baby and child care workers. • Advanced early literacy skills. • Improved memory. • Accelerated speech. • Stimulated brain development. "What a brilliant idea. I only wish Australian Baby Hands had been around when my children were tiny. Simple to understand, and helpful on so many levels. More than that, an Australian first!" —Lisa Wilkinson, Executive Editor of Madison Magazine, editor at large Australian Women's Weekly, host of Weekend Sunrise Please note: This book is based on AUSLAN – Australian sign language.

This ground-breaking work, originally published 15 years ago, continues to serve as the primary reference on the theories of omission potential and translational contact in sign language interpreting. In the book, noted scholar Jemina Napier explores the linguistic coping strategies of interpreters by drawing on her own study of the interpretation of a university lecture from English into Australian Sign Language (Auslan). A new preface by the author provides perspective on the importance of the work and how it fits within the scholarship of interpretation studies. The concept of strategic omissions is explored here as a tool that is consciously used by interpreters as a coping strategy. Instead of being a mistake, omitting part of the source language can actually be part of an active decision-making process that allows the interpreter to convey the correct meaning when faced with challenges. For the first time, Napier found that omission potential existed within every interpretation and, furthermore, she proposed a new taxonomy of five different conscious and unconscious omission types. Her findings also indicate that Auslan/English interpreters use both a free and literal interpretation approach, but that those who use a free approach occasionally switch to a literal approach as a linguistic coping strategy to provide access to English terminology. Both coping strategies help negotiate the demands of interpretation, whether it be lack of subject-matter expertise, dealing with dense material, or the context of the situation. Napier also analyzes the interpreters' reflections on their decision-making processes as well as the university students' perceptions and preferences of their interpreters' linguistic choices and styles. Linguistic Coping Strategies in Sign Language Interpreting is a foundational text in interpretation studies that can be applied to interpreting in different contexts and to interpreter training.