Adverbial Morphemes in Tactile ASL - Gallaudet University

PDE – Steven D. Collins
Findings and Interpretations
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4.1.5.2. Example Two (Purpose)
Gloss from Transcription:
YES BUY /// YOU NEED WRITE-LIST SEND (to Silent Call) TO S-I-L-E-
N-T ASK (multiple) ABOUT MORE++ TWO E-X-T-R-A?? TWO-OR-
THREE CONNECTED // YES FOR FLASHER THAT // WELL // CAN
ASK- (Silent Call) REQUEST-lf (from Silent Call) S-I-L-E-N-T C-A-L-L
COMPANY IX-lf (Silent Call) ///
English Translation:
Yes, you can buy one. You should write down the questions you have about
connecting two or more signaler systems at once in order to flash [light signals
to your roommates]. Sure, ask the Silent Call company.
Visual ASL:
The signer uses a non-tactile production of the sign along with a facial
expression of a raising of the eyebrows. FOR is not explicitly signed.
Tactile ASL:
In Tactile ASL, a Deaf-Blind individual cannot see the non-manual facial
expression and, consequently, FOR FLASHER is signed to indicate purpose
(for what purpose).
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 FOR. In the Tactile ASL, there must be a compensation for the
Deaf-Blind person who is unable to observe this non-manual signal. The
additional sign is added to show purpose.
Comments:
The adverb here, FOR is used to indicate purpose. The purpose is to buy a
flasher and this is what FOR signifies.
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