The applications of sign language studies

The knowledge obtained from research in Sign Languages is not only relevant for the advancement of Linguistics. As an essential component of the capacities of the mind/brain, the understanding of the human faculty of language offers a decisive contribution to Cognitive Science, given that it interacts with many other cognitive systems. From an applied perspective, also, knowing a language in detail is a basic requirement in order to teach it at school, or to be able to teach sign language interpreters, for instance. Or to be able to treat language disorders such as aphasias, and understand the development of deaf children that acquire a language. And we must not forget that trying to understand how a language works inside is a fascinating adventure!