An analysis of how metalinguistic terms are realised in British sign language in the context of teaching English to deaf learners

To date, there has been no investigation into how metalinguistic terms, pertaining to English language teaching, are expressed in British Sign Language (BSL). This preliminary study explored these terms realised BSL with the relevant professional community. The was underpinned by translanguaging as a theoretical framework and positioned practitioner research. It collaborative enquiry structured two phases. first involved an initial round of interviews targeted elicitation task using word list 87 terms. How participants were recorded analysed ELAN, multi-media annotation software. These articulations recreated deaf presenters for purposes anonymously sharing data second phase that sought their reflections. evidenced considerable linguistic variation motivation regarding articulation. Variants strong visually motivated form-meaning mapping (iconicity transparency), while minority more arbitrary nature. Some demonstrated borrowing from English, through fingerspelling, loan translations mouthing. Others provided evidence semantic change (broadening) signs other contexts or multiple served explanation meaning. Quite number features motivations. concludes is lack consensus dearth established referred classroom. proposed further research collaboration needed goal developing glossary signs.