SIGN LANGUAGE - 13R010

courses
ID:
13R010
Dettaglio:
SSD: Glottology and Linguistics Duration: 36 CFU: 6
Located in:
BERGAMO
Url:
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - 13-270/LINGUISTICO-LETTERARIO Year: 2
Approval Status:
Draft
Year:
2025

Overview

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (17/02/2026 - 24/05/2026)

Syllabus

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the study of Italian Sign Language (LIS) through a linguistic and comparative perspective. Its aim is to develop awareness of the different communicative modalities — vocal and visual-gestural — and to understand how sign languages, while distinct in their modality, share the structural principles common to all natural languages. Special attention will be devoted to the phonology, grammar, and basic lexicon of LIS, with targeted comparisons to Italian and other spoken and signed languages.

The course also fosters metalinguistic reflection, encouraging students to recognize the complexity and richness of sign languages within the contemporary linguistic and cultural landscape.


Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.


Teaching Methods

Lectures and interactive class discussions.


Assessment Methods

The course assessment consists of three distinct tests:

1) Written Theoretical Test

  • Composed of approximately 20 open and/or closed questions.
  • Aims to verify the ability to connect and apply the concepts covered in the theoretical module and the correct use of specialized terminology.
  • Note: passing this test is mandatory in order to access the next test.

2) Written Language Comprehension Test

  • Consists of exercises designed to verify understanding of the language and structures presented during the course.
  • Admission to this test is subject to passing the theoretical test.
  • Note: passing this test, together with the theoretical test, is required in order to take the oral test.

3) Oral Production Test

  • Includes an interview and practical activities aimed at assessing the acquired communicative skills.
  • Admission to this test requires passing both the theoretical test and the language comprehension test.

Requirements to Pass the Course

  • To pass the course, a positive result must be obtained in all three tests.
  • The final grade will correspond to the arithmetic average of the scores obtained.



Contents

Theoretical Module:

  • Introduction to Italian Sign Language (LIS)
  • History and recognition of LIS in Italy
  • Fundamentals of sign language linguistics
  • Phonology and core parameters of the sign
  • Basic grammatical and lexical aspects of LIS
  • Special oral components (COS) and images of borrowed words (IPP)
  • Linguistic and sociolinguistic variation in LIS
  • Deaf Community and Deaf Culture
  • Terminological and conceptual aspects
  • LIS and linguistic accessibility



Online Resources

More information

Testi di riferimento:

  • Dispense e materiali di approfondimento forniti dal docente.
  • Caselli M.C., Maragna S., Volterra V. (2006). Linguaggio e sordità. Gesti, segni e parole nello sviluppo e nell'educazione. Bologna: Il Mulino.
  • Mottinelli M., Di Monte C. (2025). Il mondo dei Sordi in 150 domande. Roma: Carocci editore e CNR edizioni.
  • Mottinelli M. (2021). Non ti sento ma ti ascolto. Roma: Armando editore.
  • Volterra V. , Roccaforte M., Di Renzo A., Fontana S. (2019). Descrivere la lingua dei segni italiana. Una prospettiva cognitiva e sociosemiotica. Bologna: Il Mulino.

Degrees

Degrees

No Results Found

People

People

MOTTINELLI Mauro
Docente a contratto per incarico di insegnamento
No Results Found

Other

Main module

SIGN LANGUAGE