Sign Language & Linguistics

Scope & Guideline

Unveiling the Linguistic Richness of Sign Languages

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Sign Language & Linguistics with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1387-9316
PublisherJOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING CO
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1998 to 2024
AbbreviationSIGN LANG LINGUIST / Sign Lang. Linguist.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 36224, 1020 ME AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Sign Language & Linguistics' aims to provide a comprehensive platform for research in the field of sign languages and their linguistic properties. It focuses on the intersection of linguistic theory and empirical research, emphasizing the unique aspects of signed languages in comparison to spoken languages.
  1. Linguistic Structure of Sign Languages:
    The journal explores the diverse linguistic structures of sign languages, including syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics, contributing to a deeper understanding of how these languages function and differ from spoken languages.
  2. Acquisition and Learning of Sign Languages:
    Research on how sign languages are acquired by both deaf and hearing individuals is a key focus, examining the cognitive and social factors influencing language learning and the implications for teaching methodologies.
  3. Iconicity and Gesture in Signed Communication:
    The role of iconicity and gestural elements in sign languages is a recurring theme, highlighting how these features contribute to effective communication within the visual modality.
  4. Sociolinguistic Perspectives on Sign Languages:
    The journal addresses sociolinguistic dimensions, including language variation, social structures, and the impact of culture on sign language use, emphasizing the interplay between language and society.
  5. Comparative Studies Across Sign Languages:
    There is a strong emphasis on comparative research between different sign languages, fostering a typological understanding of their similarities and differences.
  6. Corpus Linguistics in Sign Languages:
    The journal promotes the use of signed language corpora for empirical studies, facilitating data-driven analysis of language use and structure.
In recent years, 'Sign Language & Linguistics' has seen a rise in interest in several emerging themes that reflect current trends in research. This section outlines these trending topics, highlighting their significance in the field.
  1. Spatial Language and Topographic Structures:
    Research focusing on the use of spatial language and topographic structures in sign languages has gained traction, underscoring the importance of spatial cognition in signed communication.
  2. Iconicity and Communication Efficiency:
    The investigation of iconicity as a factor in communication efficiency has become increasingly prominent, emphasizing its relevance for understanding how sign languages convey meaning effectively.
  3. Morphological Innovations in Sign Languages:
    There is a growing interest in the morphological aspects of sign languages, particularly regarding new word formation strategies and the role of simultaneously produced morphemes.
  4. Neurophysiological and Cognitive Studies:
    Emerging studies that integrate neurophysiological perspectives and cognitive science with sign language research are becoming more common, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary linguistic research.
  5. Cultural and Social Aspects of Sign Language Use:
    Research that delves into the cultural and social dimensions of sign language use, particularly among different Deaf communities, is trending, highlighting the importance of context in language studies.

Declining or Waning

While 'Sign Language & Linguistics' continues to explore a wide range of topics, certain themes have shown a decline in frequency or prominence over recent years. This section highlights those areas that appear to be waning in focus.
  1. Negation and Question Formation:
    Research specifically focusing on negation and question formation in various sign languages has decreased, suggesting a potential shift towards more holistic or integrated studies of grammatical structures rather than isolated constructs.
  2. Phonological Studies in Sign Languages:
    Although phonological aspects remain relevant, there is a noticeable reduction in papers dedicated solely to phonological analysis, possibly indicating a broader trend towards integrating phonology with other linguistic domains.
  3. Traditional Syntax-Driven Approaches:
    There has been a decline in traditional syntax-driven studies, which may reflect a growing interest in more innovative or interdisciplinary approaches that consider cognitive and sociolinguistic factors.
  4. Language Contact and Bilingualism Studies:
    The exploration of language contact phenomena and bilingualism in sign language contexts appears less frequently, indicating a shift in focus towards more foundational linguistic studies.

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