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Megaman en m (talk | contribs) →Description: added correlation between specific types of classifier constructions and the kind of argument structure they have |
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<!-- 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}}▼
=== Argument structure ===
Classifiers constructions may show [[Agreement (linguistics)|agreement]] with various [[Argument (linguistics)|arguments]] in its ___domain. In the example below, the handshape agrees with the [[direct object]], having a "thin object" handshape for flowers and a "round object" handshape for apples". Agreement between [[Subject (grammar)|subject]] and [[indirect object]] is marked with a path movement from one to the other. This manner of marking agreement is shared with some lexical signs.{{Sfn|Carlo|2014|p=49-50}}
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|CHILD<sub>1</sub> MOTHER<sub>2</sub> FLOWER Cl<sub>thin-object</sub>-<sub>1</sub>GIVE<sub>2</sub>||The child gives a flower to the mother.}}
{{interlinear|indent=3
|CHILD<sub>1</sub> MOTHER<sub>2</sub> APPLE Cl<sub>round-object</sub>-<sub>1</sub>GIVE<sub>2</sub>||The child gives an apple to the mother.}}There are also correlations between specific types of classifier constructions and the kind of [[Valency (linguistics)|argument structure]] they have:{{Sfn|Carlo|2014|p=52}}
# Predicates with a handling classifier are transitive (with an external and an internal argument)
▲<!-- 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}}
# Predicates with a whole entity classifier are intransitive unaccusative (one single internal argument)
# Predicates with a body part classifier are intransitive unergative (one single external argument)
▲<!-- 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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