Classifier constructions in sign languages: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:21, 30 July 2022

Revision as of 06:54, 30 July 2022

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<!-- 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 ===

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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}}

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}}

<!-- 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}}