Linguistics Flashcards
What does BSL stand for?
British Sign Language
True or False: BSL is a spoken language.
False
What is the primary modality of BSL?
Visual-gestural
Fill in the blank: BSL has its own ______, which includes grammar and syntax.
Linguistic structure
What is the main difference between BSL and Signed English?
BSL is a distinct language with its own grammar, while Signed English is a representation of spoken English.
How many signers are estimated to use BSL in the UK?
Approximately 151,000
True or False: BSL is used exclusively in the United Kingdom.
False
What are the primary components of BSL?
Hand shapes, movements, facial expressions, and body language
What year was BSL officially recognized as a language?
2003
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a feature of BSL?
Tone of voice
What is the significance of facial expressions in BSL?
They convey grammatical information and emotional context.
Fill in the blank: The BSL sign for ‘thank you’ involves a movement from the ______ to the chin.
Fingers
True or False: BSL has regional dialects.
True
What is a classifier in BSL?
A sign that represents a category of nouns, often depicting shape or movement.
What does the term ‘deixis’ refer to in BSL?
The use of signs to indicate specific locations, people, or objects.
Who developed the first BSL dictionary?
The British Deaf Association
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common BSL sign?
Hello
What is the role of the signing space in BSL?
It is the area in front of the signer where signs are produced and meaning is conveyed.
Fill in the blank: BSL utilizes ______ to create meaning beyond manual signs.
Non-manual signals
True or False: BSL is a universal language.
False
What is the term for the study of sign languages?
Sociolinguistics
What does the term ‘iconicity’ refer to in BSL?
The resemblance between the sign and its meaning.
What are ‘fingerspelling’ and when is it used in BSL?
Fingerspelling is a method of spelling out words using hand shapes, typically used for proper nouns.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common misconception about BSL?
It is just a manual code for English.
What are ‘loan signs’ in BSL?
Signs borrowed from other sign languages or adapted from spoken languages.
Fill in the blank: BSL is often taught in schools for ______.
Deaf education
What is the purpose of classifiers in BSL?
To categorize and describe objects or actions.
True or False: BSL can express abstract concepts.
True
What is the role of context in understanding BSL?
Context helps clarify meaning and intent behind signs.
What is a ‘signing community’?
A group of people who use BSL as their primary means of communication.
Fill in the blank: BSL has been influenced by ______ from other sign languages.
Cultural exchanges
What is the significance of the ‘Deaf community’ in BSL linguistics?
It shapes the language, culture, and social practices of BSL users.
What is a ‘sign language interpreter’?
A person who translates spoken language into sign language and vice versa.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors can affect the use of BSL?
Geographic location
What does the term ‘register’ refer to in BSL?
The variation in language use depending on social context or audience.
True or False: BSL has a written form.
False
What is the role of storytelling in BSL culture?
It preserves history, culture, and community values through visual narratives.
