Negative structures in Croatian Sign Language (HZJ)

Iva Hrastinski, Purdue University

Abstract

Due to its cross-linguistically universal presence and ability to provide insight into different semantic and syntactic mechanisms, the syntax of negation has been intriguing to linguists. In contrast to extensively studied negative constructions in spoken languages, the literature on negative structures in different sign languages (SL) has been scarce. However, recent linguistic analysis of less well studied SLs, such as German SL, Catalan SL, Turkish SL, have contributed to understanding of different ways of conveying negation in languages employing the visual/spatial modality. The current thesis is the first study of sentential negation, negative modals and various negative lexical items in Croatian Sign Language (HZJ), the natural language of the Deaf community in Croatia. I analyzed 120 HZJ sentences elicited from a bilingual, native HZJ signer which provide evidence for two basic negative components involved in expressing sentential negation in HZJ: the manual negative sign NE ‘not’ and the nonmanual side-to-side-headshake. Also, the scope of the [+neg] feature, realized as a headshake, spreads across the entire verb phrase, indicating the syntactic nature of this negative feature in HZJ. Furthermore, detailed analysis of negative modals shed light on a morphological process involved in generation of some negative modals. Specifically, a wrist rotation movement has been identified as a systematic clitic which is adjoined to the positive verb stem (CAN, WANT) to yield a negative meaning. Moreover, I found many negative lexical items in HZJ, including negative adverbs (NEVER), negative quantifiers (NOTHING, ZERO, NOT-A-THING), negative pronouns (NEGONE), reflecting a rich systemof expressing negation. Finally, I propose a basic HZJ clausal tree based on the analyzed HZJ data set and determine the dominance of NegP over the TP.

Degree

M.A.

Advisors

Wilbur, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Linguistics

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