Beyond categorical handshapes: Iconicity and role-shift in entity classifier predicates in Hong Kong Sign Language

Abstract

In sign languages, a sign is formed and described along three basic phonological parameters: handshapes, locations, movements, and a sub-parameter of orientation. In classifier (also known as depicting) constructions, these parameters are flexibly combined into complex morphemes to iconically depict the spatial relations among entities simultaneously. While classifier handshape is generally agreed to be a discrete, linguistic unit that captures some iconic visual properties of the referent, movement and location are argued to be gesture-like components that are gradiently produced and perceived. By looking into whole-entity classifier predicates of Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) that encode manners of location, this paper aims to (i) identify the hand features that are integrated as part of a complex demonstration in classifiers, and (ii) understand how action role-shift is used to further exemplify demonstration. Finally, we sketch a formal semantic account of demonstration with entity classifiers and roleshift in HKSL.