SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

The relationship between spoken Burmese and Yangon Sign Language

The relationship between sign languages and spoken language is a complex one. The lexicon of signed languages includes items borrowed and adapted from spoken languages, in addition to conventionalised gestures and iconic signs. Once lexicalised, signs have a tendency to become less iconic over time.

Signers are often diglossic, using language forms with more or less reference to a spoken language depending on the context in which the communication is taking place.  

This talk looks at the relationship between Yangon Sign Language and spoken Burmese using data from preparatory work for a project documenting the lexicon of the sign languages of Burma (principally Yangon and Mandalay sign).