Adverbial Morphemes in Tactile ASL - Gallaudet University

PDE – Steven D. Collins
Findings and Interpretations
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4.1.1.5. Example Five (Manner/Degree)
Gloss from Transcription:
INTERESTING(emph) IX(second one/doorbell) DOOR++++ CL:C
“mounted box on the CL:B ‘flat surface’ “ // NONE CORD(from CL:B “down
the wall”)
English Translation:
It is very interesting that there is no cord coming down from the wall.
Visual ASL:
The signer uses a non-tactile facial expression of mouthing with pursed lips
while signing INTERESTING.
Tactile ASL:
The Deaf-Blind individual signs INTERESTING with a movement away
from the chest in an extended distance. This movement is then followed by a
prolonged hold.
Analysis of Variation:
In the visual ASL production of the sign, the use of a non-tactile facial
expression is sufficient to communicate the adverb. The sign for
INTERESTING 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 longer and slower
movement away from the chest as well as a prolonged hold segment. In
addition, the movement of INTERESTING has tense emphasis to the sign.
Comments:
INTERESTING (EMPH) is an adverb of manner/degree in that it expresses
the signer’s degree of interest and/or understanding of the subject being
discussed.
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