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Updated: May 10, 2026

Examining Gesture Production in the Presence of Communication Challenges
Published on: January 26, 2024
Lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation processes in sign languages: Comparing depicting constructions and viewpoint
Kearsy Cormier1, David Quinto-Pozos, Zed Sevcikova
1Deafness, Cognition & Language Research Centre, University College London, UK.
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.
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