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ASL Pragmatics

Semantics

Hedging

Deixis

Cont.

English and ASL rely on context for interpretation and employ figurative expressions. However, ASL's visual nature allows for simultaneous expression of multiple elements, unlike English's linear structure. ASL uniquely utilizes three-dimensional space to convey meaning and relationships, incorporating facial expressions and body language as integral grammatical components. While English depends on auditory cues, ASL employs visual signals for turn-taking in conversation. ASL tends to be more direct in expression, influenced by Deaf culture, whereas English often favors indirect or polite forms shaped by hearing culture norms.

Deixis

ASL and English share three main types of deixis: personal, spatial, and temporal. However, ASL stands out in its extensive use of spatial deixis. Unlike spoken English, ASL signers frequently employ pointing gestures and facial expressions to reference people, locations, and ideas within the physical space around them. This heavy reliance on spatial cues is a distinctive feature of ASL compared to spoken languages.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language with unique features: It uses conventional, often arbitrary signs like spoken languages. ASL represents spatial concepts using the physical signing space, rather than words like "in" or "left." While sharing basic linguistic properties with spoken languages, ASL has its own distinct grammar. Information is conveyed visually through hand movements, facial expressions, and body language, processed by the brain through the eyes.

Hedging

ASL employs unique semantic and syntactic features: Semantic classifiers function as pronoun-like symbols, representing people, animals, or objects. For instance, cl-1 denotes a person, while cl-2bent indicates an animal. Loci are used to spatially represent discussants. The signer and addressee are typically represented in their actual positions, with third parties indicated by pointing. ASL showcases more distinct clusters of iconic meanings than English, particularly for numbers, pronouns, body parts, and head-related concepts. Classifier predicates visually depict object movements or locations. For example, a specific hand shape moving horizontally can signify a passing vehicle.

Semantics

In this video the Signer presents several different versions of the word "SHORT" in American Sign Language . Examplifying proper semantics beautifully.