ANALYSING SIGN LANGUAGE POETRY

This is the first book to focus entirely on the analysis of sign language poetry. Richly illustrated with images taken from poetry performances, the book draws mainly on the work of Dorothy Miles in both British and American Sign languages, but the analytical tools developed here are also used in examining recent work by Paul Scott and other sign language poets, exploring the elements of text and performance that can inform and challenge our understanding of poetry more generally. Topics covered include the use of repetition and symmetry, the importance of visual neologisms for aesthetic effect and the creation of metaphor and ambiguity. With an Afterword by Paddy Ladd, the critical analysis of the poetry is set within the framework of an appreciation of Deaf culture and Deaf communities.