Classifier constructions in sign languages information
Morphological system
In sign languages, the term classifier construction (also known as classifier predicates) refers to a morphological system that can express events and states.[1] They use handshape classifiers to represent movement, location, and shape. Classifiers differ from signs in their morphology, namely that signs consist of a single morpheme. Signs are composed of three meaningless phonological features: handshape, location, and movement. Classifiers, on the other hand, consist of many morphemes. Specifically, the handshape, location, and movement are all meaningful on their own.[2] The handshape represents an entity and the hand's movement iconically represents the movement of that entity. The relative location of multiple entities can be represented iconically in two-handed constructions.
Classifiers share some limited similarities with the gestures of hearing non-signers. Those who do not know the sign language can often guess the meaning of these constructions. This is because they are often iconic (non-arbitrary).[3] It has also been found that many unrelated sign languages use similar handshapes for specific entities. Children master these constructions by the age of 8 or 9.[4] Two-handed classifier constructions have a figure-ground relationship. Specifically, the first classifier represents the background whereas the second one represents the entity in focus. The right hemisphere of the brain is involved in using classifiers. They may also be used creatively for storytelling and poetic purposes.
Frishberg coined the word "classifier" in this context in her 1975 paper on American Sign Language. Various connections have been made to classifiers in spoken languages. Linguists have since debated how best to analyze these constructions. Analyses differ in how much they rely on morphology to explain them. Some have questioned their linguistic status, as well as the very use of the term "classifier".[5] Not much is known about their syntax or phonology.
^Sandler & Lillo-Martin 2006, p. 76.
^Hill, Lillo-Martin & Wood 2019, p. 49.
^Brentari 2010, p. 254.
^Emmorey 2008, p. 194-195.
^Brentari 2010, p. 253-254.
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