Praise for Introducing Sign Language Literature: Folklore and Creativity
“This book is very interesting and engaging, and opens doors to previously unexplored avenues in Deaf culture. It will allow students and those with an interest to develop a knowledge of Deaf culture that is largely unseen by those outside the “Deaf world”, and the beauty of stories and lore told/shown in Sign Language.
-Amanda Smith, BSL Senior Lecturer, York St. John University
“Rich in a broad range of information with reference to Storytelling and Poetry in Sign Language for those who wish to study and enhance their knowledge of the art of Creative Signing and more effective use of Visual Space. Much of the information in the book is relevant to contemporary issues such as the Visual Vernacular and Cinematic Features. An extremely valuable resource.
-Dr Luigi Lerose, BSL and Deaf Studies Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire
“This study offers a comprehensive introduction to ‘sign language literatures’, and will be of interest not only to students of sign language but also to anyone wishing to gain an understanding of how language works across modalities. It shows how language use within the deaf community has been shaped by folklore, storytelling and deaf humour, illustrating how such language use continues to influence the very nature of the deaf community.
-Dr Martin Atherton, Course Leader for British Sign Language and Deaf Studies, University of Central Lancashire
“This beautifully crafted and highly accessible volume introduces, situates, and presents guidance for interpreting the canon of sign language literature. The authors enrich our appreciation of the creative craftsmanship of deaf poets from around the world, bringing us on a magical journey which unpacks the complexity of sign language storytelling, folklore, signlore, poetry and prose.
-Professor Lorraine Leeson, Director, Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin
“For the first time we have a textbook which can be used by teachers and students of sign languages to consider wider issues than just the language. Introducing Sign Language Literature sets the culture centre stage, explaining how language is actually used creatively in signing communities. Readers are introduced to many techniques to analyse sign language literature drawing on examples from many sign languages. Links to the clips of sign language poetry illustrate the concepts beautifully.
-Rachel O’Neill, School of Education, University of Edinburgh
