1. Introduction -- 2. Linguistic Setup of Sign Languages -- The Case of Irish Sign Language (ISL) -- 3. Non-manuals in Sign Languages -- Theoretical Background -- 4. Mouth Actions in ISL -- A Typology of Mouthings and Mouth Gestures -- 5. Mouth Actions in ISL -- Sociolinguistic Factors -- 6. Mouth Actions in ISL -- Linguistic Factors -- 7. Conclusion.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Summary
Mouth actions in sign languages have been controversially discussed but the sociolinguistic factors determining their form and functions remain uncertain. This first empirical analysis of mouth actions in Irish Sign Language focuses on correlations with gender, age, and word class. It contributes to the linguistic description of ISL, research into non-manuals in sign languages, and is relevant for the cross-modal study of word classes.
