TY - JOUR
T1 - Lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation processes in sign languages: Comparing depicting constructions and viewpoint gestures
AU - Cormier, K.
AU - Quinto-Pozos, D.
AU - Sevcikova, Z.
AU - Schembri, A.
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - In this paper, we compare so-called “classifier” constructions in signed languages (which we refer to as “depicting constructions”) with comparable iconic gestures produced by non-signers. We show clear correspondences between entity constructions and observer viewpoint gestures on the one hand, and handling constructions and character viewpoint gestures on the other. Such correspondences help account for both lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation processes in signed languages and how these processes are influenced by viewpoint. Understanding these processes is crucial when coding and annotating natural sign language data.
AB - In this paper, we compare so-called “classifier” constructions in signed languages (which we refer to as “depicting constructions”) with comparable iconic gestures produced by non-signers. We show clear correspondences between entity constructions and observer viewpoint gestures on the one hand, and handling constructions and character viewpoint gestures on the other. Such correspondences help account for both lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation processes in signed languages and how these processes are influenced by viewpoint. Understanding these processes is crucial when coding and annotating natural sign language data.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84870241989&partnerID=MN8TOARS
U2 - 10.1016/j.langcom.2012.09.004
DO - 10.1016/j.langcom.2012.09.004
M3 - Article
SN - 0271-5309
VL - 32
SP - 329
EP - 348
JO - Language & Communication
JF - Language & Communication
IS - 4
ER -