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Handshape complexity as a precursor to phonology: Variation, Emergence, and Acquisition
Diane Brentari1, Marie Coppola2, Pyeong Whan Cho3
1University of Chicago.
Language Acquisition
|October 9, 2020
Summary
Sign language handshapes undergo significant reorganization, losing iconicity and redistributing features during phonologization. These phonological patterns emerge earlier than related morphosyntactic structures in sign language acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Phonology
- Sign Language Studies
Background:
- Investigates handshape complexity as a foundational element in phonological contrast within sign languages.
- Compares sign language patterns to gestures produced in pantomime by hearing individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sign language phonology elaborates on or radically reorganizes gestural patterns.
- To analyze cross-linguistic variation, emergence, and acquisition of handshape complexity in sign languages.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed data from adult and child signers and gesturers across the United States, Italy, China, and Nicaragua.
- Examined two dimensions of handshape complexity: joint complexity and finger group complexity.
Main Results:
- Handshape complexity undergoes a radical reorganization, involving loss of iconicity and feature redistribution during phonologization.
- Phonological patterns related to handshape complexity emerge earlier than associated morphosyntactic patterns.
Conclusions:
- Sign language handshapes are phonological, not merely elaborations of pantomime, demonstrating significant reorganization.
- The findings contribute to understanding the emergence and acquisition of phonological structures in sign languages.
Keywords:
complexityemerging languagegesturehandshapelanguage acquisitionlanguage variationphonologysign languageMore Related Videos
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