Language acquisition in hearing L2 learners of LIS: adapting to a different modality

The study examines the acquisition of LIS as a second language by adult hearing beginner students providing a qualitative analysis of the errors detected in the production of phonological parameters. LIS learners’ errors pattern with those described in the literature for M2L2 learners of other sign languages, showing a hierarchy of difficulty with handshape being the most difficult and location the easiest parameter to master. Results are discussed against the major SSLA theoretical models.