Welcome to BSL Haiku
Ancient Japanese form of poetry embracing sign language
My name is Michiko Kaneko. As part of my PhD research studies at the Centre for Deaf Studies,University of Bristol ,UK I have commisioned this web site to demonstrate the beauty of sign language haiku.
What is Haiku?
HAIKU is the shortest form of poetry originated in Japan.
The essence of haiku is to create maximum effect based on minimum number of words.
HAIKU is like a snapshot. It picks up one scene from nature or from everyday life, describes it with a very simple language, and leaves us interpret the theme as we want.
HAIKU is very objective. It does not fancy emotional expressions.
Research Interests
Metaphor and symbolism in the language of visual-manual modality
Linguistic aspects of sign language poetry
Poetic devices in sign language haiku, such as rhythm, symmetry, handshape, eyegaze, and use of space.
Examples in English:
Old pond; a frog jumps in; sound of water (Matsuo Bashō)
Picking up a branch of grass; softly heavy (Iida Dakotsu)
