Sign Language Linguistics

Sign languages from all around the world demonstrate interesting similarities, but still  they are not mutually intelligible and differ from each other in significant ways. In the BA Sign Language Linguistics, you will explore sign languages, their structure, acquisition and use from the perspective of a linguist, while learning NGT (Sign Language of the Netherlands) yourself. You will examine the key research traditions of linguistics as a whole and sign language linguistics in particular. Alongside the core programme, you specialise by selecting a minor in one of your fields of interest. You can also decide to study abroad for a semester or do an internship.

The first year offers a broad, general overview of the entire discipline of Linguistics. You will take theoretical courses in which you learn all of the basic concepts that are relevant to a linguist. You will be trained in the transcription and glossing of sign languages, and take courses in Morphology and Sociolinguistics. At the end of the first year, you will conduct a small research project exploring the acquisition of a new language. The second and third years build on the foundations laid in the first year, allowing you to specialise in the various aspects of sign language linguistics, while conducting your own linguistic experiments. You will take courses such as Philosophy of Science and 2nd Language Acquisition.