Description
Book SynopsisDescribes 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.
Trade Review'With its very comprehensive account of the study and structure of Plains Indian Sign Language, with the valuable links that it provides to sign languages used by deaf people and with its accompanying website, this volume is a wonderful and timely resource.' Ceil Lucas, Gallaudet University
'This is not just another book! It is a riveting narrative of an endangered Native American sign language that has served an essential role in Native American culture and life. For sign language studies, Native American studies, linguistics, anthropology, and a host of other allied professionals, as well as for the American public, Jeff Davis has made a momentous professional and social contribution. This is a landmark work that deserves the widest professional and popular audience.' Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University
Table of Contents1. The language landscape; 2. Earliest historical linguistic accounts; 3. A national treasure; 4. Early sign language studies; 5. The spectrum of discourse; 6. The convergence of anthropology and linguistics; 7. Comparative studies of historical relatedness; 8. Linguistic analysis of PISL; 9. Conclusions.
