| This research undertakes the first comprehensive, academic study of Maritime Sign Language (MSL), a signed language used by elderly Deaf people in Canada's Maritime Provinces. Although the majority of Canada's Deaf population currently uses American Sign Language (ASL), some Deaf people continue to use MSL, which is thought to stem from British Sign Language (BSL). ASL is quickly encroaching on MSL and is now the dominant language for Deaf people in the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. There are an estimated fewer than 100 MSL users (Jim McDermott, personal communication).;This study carries out an examination of the lexicon and discourse. The lexical analysis confirms that the roots of MSL lie in BSL. It also reveals the emergence of a nascent signed language, with a repertoire of unique MSL lexical items. A comparison of different lexicons also establishes that the MSL lexicon is related to contemporary ASL. Thus, what is uncovered is a signed language that originated in BSL, flourished and developed, but whose development was cut short by language contact and shift to ASL.;The discourse analysis reveals the increasingly significant and growing influence of ASL on MSL. MSL is examined in relation to language contact, identity and concepts of 'the self' and 'the other.' Subjects' narrative discourse reveals that while structural diffusion has already occurred in MSL, limited use of MSL lexical items and ritualized language remain. In spite of its weak status, some MSL users maintain and assert a unique MSL identity, separate from others, to which they are loyal. This identity offers them a sense of security within a rapidly changing linguistic and cultural environment. This research confirms that MSL is moribund; it is beyond revival and survival. It will die out with its last remaining users.;This research examines a signed language about which relatively little is known but which makes a significant contribution to the rich diversity, heritage and history of Canada's Deaf community. It examines the emergence, development and changes in MSL, focusing on language shift from MSL to ASL and the ensuing demise of MSL. |
