Research
My primary research interest lies in how reference (how we talk about the things in the world) works in natural sign languages (languages that have the same grammatical properties but use a different channel to convey meaning). I work on sign language with two main goals in mind: (i) improving our empirical knowledge of these underdescribed languages, and (ii) bringing the special properties of signed languages and their inherent visual-spatial modality properties to bear on semantic and pragmatic theory. My research line combines a theoretical investigation together with an applied dimension to the study of sign language linguistics. The inclusion of corpus data to the theoretical analysis of sign language discourse adds a comprehensive and naturalistic approach to formal studies. Moreover, as languages of small linguistic communities with accessibility obstacles, knowledge transfer and public engagement are in the top of my research agenda. This is the reason why my research line combines three interrelated dimensions that integrate an important synergy between theoretical research and applied research, together with knowledge transfer.
Theoretical research: Reference in Catalan Sign Language (LSC)
Reference is the linguistic study of how we humans talk about the things in the world. My research work aims at answering several questions, such as what is the epistemic state of the sender in relation to the entity that he/she is referring to, what is the knowledge the sender has about the entity and what is the knowledge that the addressee is attributed to have, and finally how are these entities managed in discourse. The final goals of my work consist in analysing (i) how reference is articulated and expressed in the visual-spatial signed modality, (ii) which are the modality-specific aspects and which are modality-independent and, also, (iii) what does this tell about how reference is deployed in human language communication. I tackle these issues from a discourse perspective, which is an underexplored area in sign language linguistics research. I approach the study of reference in sign language by working mainly (although not only) on three areas: semantic use of signing space; indefiniteness, specificity, impersonal reference; reference tracking and anaphoric chains.
Projects:
2021-2025: Microdiachrony in endangered languages across modalities. PI: Josep Quer; Co-IP: Gemma Barberà
2016-2020: The Grammar of reference in Catalan Sign Language. PI: Josep Quer
2016-2020: Sign-Hub. Preserving, researching and fostering the linguistic, historical and cultural heritage of European Deaf signing communities with an integral resource. PI: Josep Quer
2011-2015: Unraveling the grammars of European sign languages. Pathways to full citizenship of Deaf signers and to the protection of their linguistic heritage. PI: Josep Quer
Applied research: Documentation of LSC
Grammatical studies, descriptive grammars, corpora studies and both general and specific linguistic resources are fundamental elements for advancing the study and research on sign languages, but for some they are still very scarce. Descriptive grammars represent key tools for language documentation, but also the basis from which teaching and instructional materials can be produced. An important first step for the preservation, documentation and dissemination of sign languages is the creation of online grammars, corpus studies and linguistic materials, both for learning and research. All these types of materials are interdependent (grammars and corpora can feed back on each other) and represent the basis for producing didactic materials. At the same time, theoretical research can systematically feed description, which in turn serves as a basis for theoretical advances. My applied research focus is on three connected areas: corpus of LSC; description of LSC grammar; LSC resources and teaching materials.
Projects:
Corpus of reference of LSC (Institut d'Estudis Catalans)
A Grammar of Catalan Sign Language (LSC). Sign-Hub Project.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages applied to LSC, CEFR-LSC (Política Lingüística de la Generalitat de Catalunya)
Gramàtica bàsica de l’LSC (FESOCA & Universitat de Barcelona)