Noun classifiers in Hong Kong Sign Language

Bibliographic Data

ID21703190
AuthorsEmily Koenders (0000-0002-5366-587X, Chinese University of Hong Kong, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume27
Issue1
Pages35-72
Publication date2024-04-25
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSign Language & Linguistics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1387-9316 • E-ISSN: 1569-996X
PublisherJohn Benjamins Publishing Company (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1075/sll.22004.koe
OpenAlexW4390918289
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited18

As most other sign languages, Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) makes use of verbal classifiers for the purpose of spatial predication. However, a thorough study of the Asian SignBank shows that these same classifier handshapes occur in 76% of all HKSL nouns. In this paper, I argue that these classifier handshapes embedded in nouns are in fact noun classifiers. Under the framework of Distributed Morphology, classifier handshapes are underspecified roots in root compounds which can be assigned the nominal category when merged with a nominal functional head in syntax. The function of these classifiers is to identify, and categorize a discourse referent, and they are full-fledged classifiers according to standards set by the general linguistic literature on classifiers. In addition to verbal and noun classifiers, I also briefly show how HKSL uses mensural numeral classifiers to intervene between mass nouns and numerals within the NP. Taken together, this means that HKSL employs three different types of classifiers: verbal, noun, and numeral classifiers

Categorization · Linguistics · Natural language processing · Noun · Numeral system · Referent · Sign language · Syntax · Computer Science · Hand Gesture Recognition Systems · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation · Artificial Intelligence

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