Similarity and Diversity in European Sign Languages

This module provides an introduction to the the international skills strand of the study programme by enabling students to acquire first-hand knowledge of the national sign languages of the three partner countries (FinSL, DGS, and BSL), providing opportunities for making first steps in the use of International Sign, and securing a common basis in sign language linguistics. The overall aim is to lead students to reflect upon similarities and differences between various systems and forms of sign language use.

Practical language sessions will focus on highlighting significant lexical and grammatical aspects of FinSL, DGS, and BSL, respectively, using International Sign as a mode of communication and discussion. Practical language sessions will also provide opportunities for learning about the linguistic communities of Deaf people in Finland, Germany, and the UK.

Accompanying readings and seminars will clarify descriptive key concepts of sign linguistics and establish a shared ground for reflecting similarities and differences in the various sign languages involved and brought to the programme.

By providing first-hand experience with and guided theoretical reflection upon different sign languages as well as allowing for a practical encounter with International Sign, the module introduces a comparative linguistic perspective that paves the way for the development of international skills in modules 2.1 (“Introducing International Sign”), 3.1 (“Translating between International Sign and English”) and 4.1 (“Interpreting between English and International Sign”). Students will be made aware of formal and functional aspects shared by many sign languages as well as identifying language specific differences, and they will acquire the conceptual tools necessary to refer to and describe relevant linguistic similarities and differences.

• Europäischer Master in Gebärdendolmetschen