An Introduction to Chinese Sign Language and Linguistics (FutureLearn)

Explore basic Chinese sign language (CSL) linguistics
You’ll firstly learn 150 Chinese sign language signs for limited communication, as well as word categories such as verbs, nouns, conjunctions, and personal pronouns, as well as special structures.
You’ll then decipher how to do Chinese fingerspelling, and will cover the wider linguistics which are present within CSL. You’ll then get an introduction to the varieties within Chinese sign language, and will identify the difference between CSL and signed Chinese.

Develop intercultural and transmodal communication skills
After getting an insight into the history of CSL and deaf education within Shanghai, you’ll then explore elements of deaf culture, including video chatting etiquettes, table manners and leisure activities.
Ultimately, by discovering sign language and deaf culture, you’ll be sure to understand more about the deaf community, and will subsequently be able to embrace and help initiate a more inclusive society.

Learn from linguistics and sign language experts at the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
Throughout the duration of the course, you’ll be under the guidance of Dr.Lin Hao, a linguistics associate researcher whose research lies in Chinese sign language linguistics and deaf studies.
You’ll also be learning from Ni Yingjie, a native Chinese sign language speaker from the deaf family, as well as Cai Weiyu, an experienced sign language teacher.

What topics will you cover?

• Word categories in CSL (verbs, nouns, conjunctions, pronouns, etc.)
• Linguistic features in CSL (pointing, classifiers, iconicity, timeline, etc.)
• Syntactic structures in CSL (negation, interrogation and comparative)
• Introduction to CSL varieties
• Distinction between CSL and signed Chinese
• Deaf culture (e.g. greeting, video chatting etiquettes, table manners, sign names, leisure activities, etc.)
• The history of CSL
• Deaf education and historical figures

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Explore basic sign language linguistics and Chinese deaf culture
• Develop intercultural and transmodal communication skills
• Investigate the relations among sign language, spoken language and written language
• Reflect the identity of the D/deaf and hearing

Who is the course for?
This course is primarily geared towards English-speaking students and researchers who are interested in learning about sign language studies and deaf education.
It will also be useful to any learners who may involve communicating with the deaf people.