Classifier constructions in sign languages: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Morphological system}}

{{anchor|Classifier handshape}} <!-- The page [[Classifier handshapes]] was turned into a redirect in 2019 and looks for this anchor. If there is a section on classifier handshapes in the article, move this anchor to that section. -->

In '''[[Sign language|sign languages]],''' the term '''classifier construction''' (also known as '''classifier predicates''') refers to a [[Morphology (linguistics)|morphological]] system that can express events and states.{{Sfn|Sandler|Lillo-Martin|2006|p=76}} They use [[handshape]] '''[[Classifier (linguistics)|classifiers]]''' to represent movement, ___location, and shape. Classifiers differ from signs in their morphology, namely in that signs consist of a single [[morpheme]]. Signs are composed of three meaningless [[Phonology|phonological]] features: handshape, ___location, and movement. Classifiers, on the other hand, consist of many morphemes. Specifically, the handshape, ___location, and movement are all meaningful on their own.{{Sfn|Hill|Lillo-Martin|Wood|2019|p=49}} The handshape represents an entity and the hand's movement iconically represents the movement of that entity. The relative ___location of multiple entities can be represented iconically in two-handed constructions.

Classifiers share some limited similarities with the [[Gesture|gestures]] of hearing non-signers. Those who do not know the sign language can often guess the meaning of these constructions. This is because they are often [[Sign language#Iconicity|iconic]] (non-arbitrary).{{Sfn|Brentari|2010|p=254}} It has also been found that many unrelated sign languages use similar handshapes for specific entities. Children master these constructions aroundby the age of 8 or 9.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=194-195}} Two-handed classifier constructions have a [[Figure–ground (perception)|figure-ground]] relationship. Specifically, the first classifier represents the background whereas the second one represents the entity in focus. The right [[Cerebral hemisphere|hemisphere of the brain]] is involved in using classifiers. They may also be used creatively for story-tellingstorytelling and poetic purposes.

[[Nancy Frishberg|Frishberg]] coined the word "classifier" in this context in her 1975 paper on [[American Sign Language]]. Various connections have been made to [[Classifier (linguistics)|classifiers]] in spoken languages. Linguists have since then debated on how best to analyze these constructions. Analyses differ in how much they rely on morphology to explain them. Some have questioned their linguistic status, as well as the very use of the term "classifier".{{Sfn|Brentari|2010|p=253-254}} Not much is known yet about their [[syntax]] or [[phonology]].

== Description ==