Classifier constructions in sign languages: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:57, 3 September 2020

Revision as of 22:07, 20 November 2020

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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''' referrefers 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 that signs consist of a single [[morpheme]]. Signs are composed of three meaningless [[Phonology|phonological]] features: handshape, ___location, and movement. Classifier, 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 around 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-telling and poetic purposes.