Adverbial Morphemes in Tactile ASL - Gallaudet University

PDE – Steven D. Collins
Findings and Interpretations
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4.1.2.3. Example Three (Time)
Gloss from Transcription:
SHOW-ME PRO1 LATER / YOU CURIOUS YOU [hesitation] YOU++
HAVE THREE(emph) RIGHT V-I-B-R-A-C-A-L-L INCLUDED? //
English Translation:
You can show me the Vibracall later. I am curious, you have three Vibracall
units installed, right?
Visual ASL:
The signer uses a non-tactile production of the sign with a facial expression in
which the head tilts upwards and there is a raising of the eyebrows. LATER is
not explicitly signed.
Tactile ASL:
In Tactile ASL, the sign for LATER must be explicitly signed because a Deaf-
Blind individual cannot observe the non-manual signal. LATER is signed
after the subject and, in this case, the hand is moved slowly.
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. There is no need for the
signer to sign LATER. 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
consequently, LATER must be signed explicitly. The sign is used after the
subject and is accentuated by having it signed slowly.
Comments:
The adverb LATER is functioning as an adverb showing time.
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