Selected topics in Slovenian Sign Language linguistics

Abstract

Minority languages are often given less importance than national languages, especially when the languages differ in their modalities. In addition, the hearing majority often do not recognise sign languages, leading to prejudice and discrimination against them. Apart from the theoretical relevance of the study of sign languages for linguistic research, linguistic studies have proved crucial in reducing the social and cultural isolation of Deaf communities. At the same time, the specific sociolinguistics of sign languages must be considered when conducting such linguistic research. This paper presents relevant background information that needs to be considered when conducting research on the grammar of Slovenian Sign Language (SZJ), as well as the research topics in SZJ linguistics that have been addressed in recent decades.