Methods in carrying out language typological research
Temas
Detalles
This chapter introduces readers to the field of sign language typology, which undertakes systematic comparisons of linguistic structures in different sign languages to assess cross-linguistic variation. The underlying aim of typology is to chart linguistic diversity by identifying patterns of variation and language universals (characteristics that languages have in common). Sign language typologists use theories and frameworks from language typology to analyze samples of many different sign languages in order to uncover previously hidden patterns. This involves building upon the documentation of diverse sign languages. Given the relatively recent emergence of sign language typology as a discipline, only a handful of substantial cross-linguistic studies have been conducted thus far. Nevertheless, we present an overview of methodological issues in sign language typology, including a discussion of some of the key decisions that must be made when conducting a cross-linguistic typological study. These issues concern the choice of research domain, the identification of parameters for investigation, and the collection and analysis of data from a wide range of sign languages. Along the way we note some of the solutions to the challenges that are associated with this kind of research, as well as issues of research ethics. We conclude with some thoughts on what we believe to be an important goal for the further development of sign language typology research: a cross-modal typology that includes both signed and spoken languages.
En: E. Orfanidou, B. Woll, & G. Morgan (Eds.), Research Methods in Sign Language Studies: A Practical Guide, 173-192.