Handshape variation in classifier constructions: A crosslinguistic study
Abstract
The focus of this work is on the phonological variation across six sign languages in “classifier” constructions. Discussion of variation is primarily centered on the phonological features of handshape in three different areas: (1) the four handshape classifier categories proposed by Engberg-Pedersen (1993); (2) possible historical relatedness of the languages; (3) influence of the stimulus itself, especially varying in typicality (Engberg-Pedersen, forthcoming). Data came from three Deaf signers in six languages: American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), German Sign Language (DGS), Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL), Israeli Sign Language (ISL), and Japanese Sign Language (NS). Signers were shown picture stimuli and asked to describe them in their native language. Qualitative analysis of the data is presented with statistical support when possible. The data should help our understanding of the cross-linguistic trends of the investigated construction in sign languages. Trends were found in Engberg-Pedersen’s four handshape categories with the whole entity category showing the most variation and the handling category showing the least. The results based on historical relationship were inconclusive, but there were a variety of observations based on the stimuli themselves.
Degree
M.A.
Advisors
Brentari, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Linguistics
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