Sign Language in Action

This book defines the notion of applied sign linguistics by drawing on data from projects that have explored sign language in action in various domains. The data sources have been drawn from various studies on sign language research, teaching, assessment and interpreting that have been conducted by the two co-authors. As well as defining key concepts and giving an overview of existing research, the book provides clear guidance on conducting applied sign linguistics research, with suggestions for new research topics. The book is targeted at sign language and sign language interpreting students, sign language teachers, researchers, interpreter practitioners and educators, Deaf Studies teachers and students, educators working with deaf children, and policy makers. It will also be of interest to other people working with minority language communities and to scholars and practitioners in applied linguistics research more generally.

Jemina Napier is Professor and Chair of Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. She grew up in the British Deaf community, has extensive international experience as a sign language interpreter, researcher and educator and is the author of Sign Language Interpreting: Linguistic Coping Strategies. She was an inaugural board member of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

Lorraine Leeson is Professor of Deaf Studies at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. She has worked with Deaf communities for more than 25 years as an interpreter, a researcher and educator. She is co-author of Irish Sign Language: A Cognitive Linguistic Account (with John I. Saeed). She is the inaugural Chair of the European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters Committee of Experts.