Argues that the beginnings of language need to be sought not in the universal abstract grammar proposed by Chomsky but in the evolution of the everyday interaction of the human species. Studies indicate that there is no great gulf between spoken language and nonverbal communication. (SED)

Describes a research project intended to develop a description, within a generative model, of British Sign Language grammar, with particular focus on time expressions. (AM)

Chafe's theory of generative semantics, which uses spoken language for illustration, can be applied to American Sign Language in two ways: to combat the erroneous assumption that sign languages simply represent spoken language in visible form and to explain various parts of the grammar of American Sign Language. (MSE)

Personal experience of deafness and related sociological, educational, and psychological views are used to explore the question: How does a deaf individual develop the concept of self through social interaction and in dealing with standard English at school? Ways for deaf children in school to learn standard English are also discussed. (24…