Introducing International Sign

This module builds upon students’ reflection upon different national sign languages and their initial encounter with international signed communication in module 1.1. Students will be introduced to and reflect upon International Sign (IS). They will acquire linguistic skills that will enable them to engage more fully in transnational signed communication. They will reflect on the unique potential of IS as a communicative practice in the international Deaf community as well as its limitations. Students will apply linguistic concepts learned in module 1.1 to the analysis of IS and become aware of its structure. They will also be aware of the controversies concerning the political and linguistic status of IS.

The module provides skills and insights to be built upon in subsequent modules of the international skills strand of the study programme, in particular, modules 3.1 (“Translating between International Sign and English”) and 4.1 (“Interpreting between English and International Sign”).

• Europäischer Master in Gebärdendolmetschen