PROGRAMMES

Academic Training

The Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies provides expert service in conjunction with the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages for sign linguistics and Deaf studies training at the postgraduate, undergraduate, and general education levels.

B.A. Programme in Bimodal Bilingual Studies

The B.A. Programme in Bimodal Bilingual Studies is a two-year senior-year undergraduate programme and the first of its kind in Asia. It explores language across signed and spoken modalities, with training in Hong Kong Sign Language, sign linguistics, bimodal bilingualism, language acquisition, and communication accessibility.

Students develop proficiency in Hong Kong Sign Language while studying the linguistic structures of signed and spoken languages. The programme also includes interdisciplinary and experiential learning, preparing graduates for fields such as education, social services, healthcare, technology, interpretation, communication, and community work.

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Programme information

Admissions information

MA in Linguistics — Sign Linguistics Stream

The MA Programme in Linguistics offers interdisciplinary training in linguistic theory and its applications to language structure, typology, acquisition, modality, teaching, culture, and society. The programme includes three streams: General Linguistics, Language Acquisition and Bilingualism, and Sign Linguistics.

The Sign Linguistics Stream focuses on sign languages as natural language systems. Students study core areas of linguistics alongside sign language research, language acquisition of deaf children, and the linguistic analysis of sign languages. The stream highlights the relationship between spoken and signed languages and the different modalities through which human language is expressed.

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MA Programme in Linguistics

MPhil / PhD in Linguistics

The MPhil and PhD programmes in Linguistics provide advanced research training in linguistic theory, research methodology, and empirical language research. Students may pursue topics in areas such as phonology, syntax, language acquisition, bilingualism, sign linguistics, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, experimental methods, and quantitative language research.

Students work closely with supervisors to develop independent research projects and complete a thesis. Prospective students interested in MPhil or PhD research related to sign linguistics or Deaf studies are encouraged to contact Professor Philip Thierfelder to discuss potential research topics and supervision.

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MPhil Programme in Linguistics       M.Phil. Theses
PhD Programme in Linguistics         PhD Theses

University General Education Programme

UGED2923 Exploring Sign Languages & Deaf Communities

The course aims to introduce to students conceptions and misconceptions about sign language and deaf community. Crucially it explores how deaf and hearing people perceive sign language and deafness and how such perceptions from the hearing and deaf communities might lead to ideological conflicts in the preservation of socio-cultural values of the deaf community and its language, in the methodology and technology of speech and language rehabilitation, and in the mode of deaf education. The course will address these conflicting ideologies from the perspectives of linguistics, sociology, cultural studies, psychology, medicine and education.

Learning Outcome of the course are:

  1. Understand the general characteristics of sign languages and cultures of a Deaf community;
  2. Analyze the misconceptions about the status and roles of sign language and spoken language in the society;
  3. Distinguish different types of deafness and analyze how they impact a Deaf person’s communication, education and psychology;
  4. Evaluate the conflicting ideologies stemming from the hearing and deaf communities concerning language choice, language rehabilitation for the Deaf, and deaf education.
  5. Arrive at an independent judgment of these conflicting issues and voice opinions with a reasonable degree of confidence.

UGED 1997 Understanding Hearing Loss (1-credit course)

Individuals who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) often encounter barriers to full participation in mainstream society, particularly in environments where spoken communications predominate. This course introduces students to the experience of sign language and deaf culture, and to the diversity and characteristics of DHH individuals through medical, sociocultural, linguistic, and human rights perspectives. Students will develop a foundational understanding of the nature and causes of hearing loss. This course will examine communication and attitudinal barriers arising from common misconceptions about deafness and sign language, drawing from sociocultural and linguistic perspectives. In addition, this course explores how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) addresses the rights of DHH individuals, including issues relating to sign language recognition, information accessibility, and equal participation. This course also considers the impact of systemic and societal barriers on the quality of life, quality educational access, and social inclusion available to DHH individuals. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the foundation knowledge to advocate for equitable support to a diverse group of DHH individuals in educational and community settings.”

Learning Outcome of the course are:

  1. Understand the nature and the cause of hearing loss to appreciate the consequences brought about by hearing loss and how they impact DHH individuals (SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being);
  2. Acquire some basic skills and strategies to interact with DHH individuals, reducing inequality in information accessibility and education (SDG #10: Reduced Inequalities);
  3. Foster positive values of respect, empathy, and inclusion among a diverse student population (SDG #10: Reduced Inequalities);
  4. Promote the concept of quality education for the DHH students on campus (SDG #4: Quality education);
  5. Acquire a life-long perspective, especially how to work or collaborate with DHH individuals in the community (SDG #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG #4: Quality education).

Other Programmes

CSLDS also organizes professional and community-oriented programmes in sign language, sign language interpretation, Deaf education, sign language teaching, and English language development. These programmes support learners, educators, interpreters, and members of the Deaf and hearing communities.

Programmes include:

Programmes