37.1566, Diss: African Deaf Sign Languages; South African Sign Language; Discipline of Linguistics, Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Phonology, Syntax: Donovan Wright: "A Preliminary Description of South African Sign Language Syntax"

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1566. Mon Apr 27 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1566, Diss: African Deaf Sign Languages; South African Sign Language; Discipline of Linguistics, Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Phonology, Syntax: Donovan Wright: "A Preliminary Description of South African Sign Language Syntax"

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Date: 24-Apr-2026
From: Chrismi-Rinda Loth [LothC at ufs.ac.za]
Subject: A Preliminary Description of South African Sign Language Syntax


Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Program: School of Literature, Language and Media
Degree Date: 2017
Level: Masters

Author: Donovan Wright

Dissertation Title: A Preliminary Description of South African Sign
Language Syntax

Dissertation URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10539/35627

Linguistic Field(s): Discipline of Linguistics
                     Linguistic Theories
                     Morphology
                     Phonology
                     Syntax

Subject Language(s): South African Sign Language (sfs)

Language Family(ies): African Deaf Sign Languages

Dissertation Director(s): Ruth Morgan; Andrew van der Spuy

Dissertation Abstract:

This study is a preliminary investigation into the syntax of South
African Sign Language. Utilising narrative data within a case study
approach, signing is observed and analysed in terms of Radical
Construction Grammar. An emphasis is placed on signs as form-meaning
pairings, in which information of form is drawn from previous research
on the phonology and morpho-syntax of signed languages. Meaning is
explained within the same sphere, drawing on established literature
regarding meaning in signed languages – with the addition of Mental
Space and Conceptual Blending theories. The aim is to describe the
signing elicited as in-depth as possible while covering a broad number
of relevant aspects. The efficacy of Radical Construction Grammar as a
theoretical framework in signed language is also considered. Results
include descriptions of different construction types and a holistic
view of signing. Schemas are proposed for common constructions, and
Radical Construction Grammar is posited as a viable alternative to a
traditional understanding of syntax.



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