Toward a Theory for Understanding Morphosyntactic Structures in Sign Language: A Proposal of the Integrative Cognitive Functional Theory

Over the past few decades, a rich tapestry of theoretical perspectives has emerged to analyze the morphosyntactic structure of sign languages (SLs) ranging from generative grammar to cognitive-functional approaches. These frameworks have each offered unique insights into the organization, use, and cognitive underpinnings of SL morphosyntax. By exploring the different theoretical lenses through which SL structure has been examined, this review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the current state of the art in this dynamic field of enquiry. The methodology for this review outlines a systematic approach to conducting a comprehensive review of the theoretical issues in SL research, covering the literature search, critical analysis, and the presentation of the findings. The goal is to provide a thorough and balanced assessment of the theoretical landscape, which can inform future research directions and practical applications in the field of SL studies.