Welcome to the Sign Language Lab at the University of Wisconsin! We conduct research on languages in the visual-manual modality – signed languages – across several domains of linguistics, including: language variation, language development, narrative, and pragmatics. We have projects focused on American Sign Language (ASL) and on local sign languages used in Guatemala. The lab is led by PI Laura Horton, an assistant professor in the Language Sciences Program.

On this site you can learn more about our current projects and interests, see some recent publications from the lab, and find out about opportunities to participate in our work! We typically have limited opportunities for undergraduate research assistants, especially students with a background in linguistics, American Sign Language (ASL), developmental psychology, education, and anthropology.