Sign Language Linguistics - Exploring BSL and ASL

The first textbook to bring together the linguistics of both BSL and ASL, this accessible book provides a uniquely international and comparative introduction to the structure and use of signed languages. Presupposing no prior knowledge, it covers all levels of linguistic structure: phonetics/phonology, morphology, the lexicon, syntax, semantics and discourse. Photographic illustrations of BSL and ASL signs feature throughout every chapter, and are linked to over 150 online videos, making this a clear and immersive resource for anyone interested in sign language linguistics. End of chapter exercises, questions for discussion and annotated further reading suggestions allow students to fully engage with the material they have read, and to extend their learning independently.

List of contents

1. Sign languages and linguistics; 2. Sign languages in social context; 3. BSL, ASL, and other sign languages; 4. Phonetics and phonology: the building blocks of signs; 5. Morphology: sign formation and modification; 6. Lexicon: the vocabulary of sign languages; 7. Syntax: the structure of sentences in sign languages; 8. Semantics and pragmatics: sign meaning and sentence meaning; 9. Discourse: structure and use above the sentence; 10. Issues in the study of sign languages; Index.

About the author

Adam Schembri is a hearing signer and Professor of Linguistics at the University of Birmingham, UK. He has published over fifty journal articles and book chapters, co-authored two books, is a fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, and is currently the director of the European Research Council SignMorph project.

Product details

• Authors: Cormier Kearsy, Jordan Fenlon, Johnston Trevor, Schembri Adam
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 31.03.2026
• EAN: 9781107434158
• ISBN: 978-1-107-43415-8
• Weight: 250 g
• Series: Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Sign Language, Sign languages, Braille & other linguistic communication, Sign languages, Braille and other linguistic communication, For undergraduate education and equivalents, Sign / Signed languages, Textbook, coursework