Classifier constructions in sign languages: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:36, 30 July 2022

Revision as of 05:42, 30 July 2022

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== Description ==

<!-- introduction -->In classifier constructions, the [[handshape]] is the classifier representing an entity, such as a horse.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=74}} The signer can represent its movement and/or speed in an [[Sign language#Iconicity|iconic]] fashion. This means that the meaning of the movement can be guessed by its form.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=74}}{{Sfn|Vadim|Roland|Enoch O.|2019}} A horse jumping over a fence may be represented by having the stationary hand be the fence and the moving hand be the horse.{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=159}} However, not all combinations of handshape and movement are possible.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=74}} Classifier constructions act as [[Verb|verbs]].{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=166}}

<!-- differences from lexical signs -->The handshape, movement and relative ___location in these constructions are meaningful on their own.{{Sfn|Hill|Lillo-Martin|Wood|2019|p=49}} This is in contrast to two-handed lexical signs, in which the two hands do not contribute to the meaning of the sign on their own.{{Sfn|Sandler|Lillo-Martin|2006|p=78-79}} The handshapes in a two-handed classifier construction are signed in a specific order if they represent an entity's ___location. The first sign usually represents the unmoving [[Figure–ground (perception)|ground]] (for example a surface). The second sign represents the smaller [[Figure–ground (perception)|figure]] in focus (for example a person walking).{{Sfn|Hill|Lillo-Martin|Wood|2019|p=51}}{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=86}}{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=164}} While the handshape is usually determined by the visual aspects of the entity in question,{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=22}} there are other factors. The way in which the [[Agent (grammar)|doer]] interacts with the entity{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=22-23}} or the entity's movement{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=24}} can also affect the handshape choice. Classifiers also often co-occur with verbs.{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=164}} Not much is known yet about their [[syntax]]{{Sfn|Marschark|Spencer|2003|p=316}} or [[phonology]].{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=169}}

<!-- mental flipping -->Classifier constructions are produced from the perspective of the signer. This means that the addressee must mentally flip the construction horizontally to understand it correctly. For example, if the addressee sees the signer place an object on the right side from the addressee's perspective, it means that they (the addressee) must mentally flip the construction to understand that it was placed on the left side. Native signers seem to be able to do this automatically.{{Sfn|Brozdowski|Secora|p=|Emmorey|2019}}

<!-- breaking of dominance and symmetry constraint -->Two-handed lexical signs are limited in form by two constraints. The Dominance Condition states that the non-dominant hand cannot move and that its handshape comes from a restricted set. The Symmetry Condition states that both hands must have the same handshape, movement and orientation.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=36-38}} Classifier constructions, on the other hand, can break both of these restrictions. This further exemplifies the difference in phonology and morphology between lexical signs and classifiers.{{Sfn|Sandler|Lillo-Martin|2006|p=90}}

<!-- consequences of having two articulators -->Unlike spoken language, sign languages have two articulators that can move independently.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=85-86}} The more active hand is termed the dominant hand whereas the less active hand is non-dominant.{{Sfn|Hill|Lillo-Martin|Wood|2019|p=34}} The active hand is the same as the signer's [[Handedness|dominant hand]], although it is possible to switch the hands' role.{{Sfn|Crasborn|2006|p=69}} The two hands allow signers to represent two entities at the same time, although with some limitations. For example, a woman walking past a zigzagging car cannot be signed at the same time. This is because two simultaneous constructions cannot have differing movements; one would have to sign them sequentially.{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=85-86}} Certain types of classifiers and movements cannot be combined for grammatical reasons. For example, in American Sign Language (ASL) manner of motion cannot be combined with limb classifiers. To indicate a person limping in a circle, one must first sign the manner of motion (limping), then the limb classifiers (the legs).{{Sfn|Emmorey|2008|p=81}}

=== Classification ===

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Whole entity classifiers and handling classifiers are the most established classifier types.{{Sfn|Zwisterlood|2012|p=162}} The former occur with [[Intransitive verb|intransitive verbs]], the latter occur with [[Transitive verb|transitive verbs]].{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=167}} Most linguists don't consider extension and surface classifiers to be true classifiers.{{Sfn|Zwisterlood|2012|p=162}} This is because they appear in a larger range of syntactic positions. They also cannot be referred back to [[Anaphora (linguistics)|anaphorically]] in the discourse, nor can they be combined with motion verbs.{{Sfn|Zwisterlood|2012|p=162}}

<!-- cross-linguistic comparison -->There is little research on the differences in classifier constructions across sign languages.{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=158}} Most seem to have them and can be described in similar terms.{{Sfn|Zwitserlood|2012|p=158}} Many unrelated languages encode the same entity with similar handshapes.{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=26}} This is even the case for children not exposed to language who use a [[home sign]] system to communicate.{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=26}} Handling classifiers along with extension and surface classifiers are especially likely to be the same across languages.{{Sfn|Schembri|2003|p=26}}

=== Relation to gestures ===