Lexicalization and De-lexicalization Processes in Sign Languages: Comparing Depicting Constructions and Viewpoint Gestures

Authors

Kearsy Cormier, University College London
David Quinto-Pozos, University of Texas at Austin
Zed Sehyr, Chapman UniversityFollow
Adam Schembri, La Trobe University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-12-2012

Abstract

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.

Comments

This article was originally published in Language and Cognition, volume 32, issue 4, in 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2012.09.004

Recommended Citation

Cormier, K., Quinto-Pozos, D., Sevcikova, Z., & Schembri, A. (2012). Lexicalization and de-lexicalization processes in sign languages: Comparing depicting constructions and viewpoint gestures. Language and Communication, 32(4), 329–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2012.09.004

Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

Elsevier

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.