Adverbial Morphemes in Tactile ASL - Gallaudet University

PDE – Steven D. Collins
Findings and Interpretations
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4.1.1.4. Example Four (Manner/Degree)
Gloss from Transcription:
YOU CL:C “fire alarm mounted on CL:B ‘ceiling’ “ FINISH(that’s all) NONE
CL:II “cord coming down” ?
English Translation:
Is the fire alarm attached to the ceiling a wireless device that does not need a
wire running down from it?
Visual ASL:
In visual ASL, the sign for NONE does not need to be used. The signer uses a
non-tactile production of the sign with a facial expression in which the
eyebrow is lowered and there is a squinting of the eyes while moving the head
back and forth in a motion that indicates “no”. In addition, the visual ASL sign
would indicate “does not have” at the end.
Tactile ASL:
In the production of the sign, the Deaf-Blind individual signs NONE by
prolonging the hold segments. Additionally, the movement of the sign NONE
is done with a tenseness that places emphasis on the holds.
Analysis of Variation:
In the visual ASL production of the sign, the use of a non-tactile facial
expression is an important component of the sign. There is a specific sign for
“does not have”. The sign does not need to have a prolonged hold segment. In
the Tactile ASL production of the sign, a Deaf-Blind individual is not able to
observe the non-tactile portion of the sign and substitutes the prolonged hold
segment. In addition, the movement of NONE has a tense emphasis to
indicate that it is holding. The other component of the sign that is different is
that a Tactile ASL signer adds a specific sign indicating a question. Whereas,
a visual ASL signer has conveyed this with a non-manual facial expression.
Comments:
This is an example of the adverb NONE showing degree in the sense that it is
emphasizing that there is no wire coming from the wireless alarm.
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