About us

Founded at MSLU in 2013 to carry out comprehensive research of sign languages. Currently, the laboratory team is engaged in the development of approaches to the study of Russian sign language, as well as the creation of a methodological basis for training students to become Russian sign language interpreters.

The research activity of the laboratory is based on the world experience in the field of studying the linguistic structure and functioning of sign languages, in particular Russian sign language. Special attention is paid to the study of its level structure, stylistics, pragmatics and sociolinguistic features. Programmes for teaching Russian sign language, sign language translation and related disciplines have been created and continue to be developed.

The laboratory staff regularly organises scientific and methodological seminars and round tables, which are attended by members of the All-Russian Society of the Deaf, researchers and speakers of Russian Sign Language and other sign languages.

The laboratory cooperates with foreign educational and research organisations carrying out studies of sign languages from the standpoint of linguistics, pedagogy, sociology, psychology. We maintain links with the European Centre for Modern Languages, as well as with the Centre for Language and Cognitive Studies of the Deaf at University College London, which makes it possible to exchange experience in sign language research and strengthen the position of Russian Sign Language in the country and abroad.

The laboratory staff provides methodological and advisory assistance to students engaged in research activities in the field of sign languages, supervises course and bachelor’s theses of students studying in the profile ‘Intercultural Sign Language Interpreter’, and conducts educational and outreach work among students of other profiles.

 

Research areas

• Metaphor and metonymy in Russian Sign Language;
• Peculiarities of using space in the construction of narratives in Russian Sign Language;
• Manifestation of linguocreativity in Russian Sign Language.