Abstract

Introduction In this chapter, we shall discuss the history, transmission, and grammars of the two major sign language families in East Asia: the Chinese Sign Language family and the Japanese Sign Language family. We shall not be covering the rest of Asia; for South Asian sign languages, see Zeshan (2000). Neither will we be discussing Southeast Asian sign languages (e.g., the Indochinese peninsula, Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines). Relatively little has been published on the grammars of these languages, and we have neither the space nor the expertise to comment on them. In our discussions of East Asian sign languages, we shall concentrate on those aspects that differ from what is found in Western sign languages. The Chinese Sign Language family includes the northern and southern dialects of Chinese Sign Language (CSL) and Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL), historically a variety of the southern CSL dialect. The Japanese family includes Japanese Sign Language (JSL), Taiwan Sign Language (TSL) and Korean Sign Language (KSL). Unless otherwise indicated, what we are reporting here is based on our own ongoing or published research on CSL, JSL and TSL. The two families and their histories Chinese Sign Language family It is difficult to discuss the history of a national sign language without also talking about the history of deaf education; China and Japan are no exceptions.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.