{"id":2534,"date":"2024-08-13T09:42:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T01:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/?page_id=2534"},"modified":"2025-07-28T15:37:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T07:37:50","slug":"module-17-classifier-constructions-in-sign-languages-i","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/sign-linguistics\/module-17-classifier-constructions-in-sign-languages-i\/","title":{"rendered":"Module 17 &#8211; Classifier Constructions in Sign Languages (I)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=d4e0b167-335c-4cc7-8477-b1bf007e8da6&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In this and the next module, we will look at classifier constructions in sign languages. Most of the sign languages studied to date are reported to have this kind of constructions  (Zwitserlood, 2012). Classifier constructions are complex morphological structures that are visually and spatially iconic, and involve simultaneous combinations of different morphemes. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=ddf6e413-db76-4a47-8ec4-b1bf007e9d4c&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">To understand the characteristics of classifier constructions in sign languages, we first need to have a basic understanding of what classifiers are in spoken languages.  A classifier is a morpheme (i.e., smallest meaningful unit in a language) that denotes some salient characteristics of an entity to which an associated noun refers (Allan, 1977). Classifiers are found in many unrelated and geographically separated spoken languages. Cantonese, a Chinese language variety, is a classifier language which requires an obligatory use of classifier morphemes in nominal expressions when numerals are present. Example 1 to 3 show three Cantonese nominal expressions, each consisting of a numeral, a classifier, and a noun. <i>Gaa3<\/i> in Example 1 is a classifier for vehicles. Apart from <i>ce1<\/i> (&#8220;car&#8221;), <i>gaa3<\/i> can be used with vehicles such as airplane, bus, train, bicycle, and tank. <i>Tiu4<\/i> in Example 2 denotes entities that are elongated and thin, and it can be used with nouns such as snake, hair, water pipe, river, and rainbow. <i>Baa2<\/i> in Example 3 denotes objects that have a handle for a human hand to grasp, and it can be used with nouns such as knife, gun, ruler, sword, and saw. <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><u>Example 1<\/u><br\/>saam1 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;gaa3 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ce1<br\/>three&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CL-vehicle &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;car<br\/>&#8216;Three cars&#8217;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><u>Example 2<\/u><br\/>jat1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;tiu4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;sing2<br\/> One&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CL-long-thin-object&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;rope<br\/>&#8216;one rope&#8217;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><u>Example 3<\/u><br\/> loeng5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;baa2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;gaau3zin2<br\/>two&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CL-object-with-a-handle&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;scissors<br\/>&#8216;two (pairs of)scissors&#8217;\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=74b563cd-5f0e-4cce-ad0c-b1bf007ea91e&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">These bound morphemes are called classifiers because one of their functions is to subcategorize (i.e., grouping) the noun referents. Classifiers in languages offer us an interesting window to study how human minds conceptualize and categorize things they experience in the world. Examples of categorizations represented by classifiers in spoken languages include material, shape, size, arrangement, location, quantity, humanness, and animacy (Allan, 1977; Her et al., 2022). Within spoken languages that have a classifier system, the most common classifiers relate to humanness, animacy, long-shape, and round-shape (Croft, 1994). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=4dd933fa-d88b-49a7-a0ae-b1bf007e41e9&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In Cantonese, classifiers are used within nominal phrases. In some classifier languages, however, classifiers are attached to verbs. These spoken languages are known as predicate classifier languages in Allan\u2019s typological study (1977).  Example 4 is an example from Cayuga, a Native American language (Mithun, 1986, p. 386-388, as cited in Grinevald 2000; Sandler &#038; Lillo-Martin, 2006). The classifier \u2013treht- is attached to the verb \u2013ae.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Example 4:<br\/>Skitu   ake&#8217;-treht-ae&#8217;<br\/>Skidoo  I \u2013 CL (vehicle) \u2013 have<br\/>&#8216;I have a skidoo.&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=8de63d4c-14a6-4ed6-a382-b1bf007e4188&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Supalla (1982; 1986) was the first sign linguist who proposed that sign languages are similar to predicate classifier languages<sup>1<\/sup>.  In sign languages, classifiers are handshape morphemes attached to verb roots that denote motion and location to form predicates. There are basically three major types of classifier handshapes in sign languages: Size and Shape Specifiers (SASSes), Entity Classifiers (also commonly known as Semantic Classifiers), and Handling Classifiers (Sandler &#038; Lillo-Martin, 2006). In the remainder of this module, we will discuss examples of SASSes first. The remaining three classifier types will be discussed in the next module. <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">________________<br\/><sup>1<\/sup>Over the past few decades there have been a lot of discussions in the literature concerning whether it is appropriate to analyze the iconic handshape morphemes in the predicates as classifiers. The verb-classifier combinations have also been given different names in the literature, e.g., spatial-locative predicates, polymorphemic predicates, productive signs, highly iconic structures, etc. Interested readers can refer to Zwitserlood (2012) and Sandler &#038; Lillo-Martin (2006) for a more detailed discussion. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=f7c7d8a0-ef63-4b18-b3d2-b1bf007e41b3&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">SASSes are handshapes that represent the physical appearance of objects.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Example 5<br\/>TABLE  CL[=long flat object be located],   BOOK   CL[=flat object be located],  RULER CL[= narrow, elongated, flat object be located],  PENCIL  CL[=short, elongated object be located]\n&#8216;There is a table, with a book, a ruler and a pencil on it.&#8217;\n<\/p>\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In Example 5 above, the signer first introduces the nominal TABLE, followed by a classifier predicate CL[=long flat object be located]. In this classifier predicate, the signer uses his forearm and palm, with a downward palm orientation, as a classifier for the table. This handshape is a bound morpheme, as it has to be combined with the other parameters, namely, movement, location, and orientation, in order to express the exact location of the table in the signing space. After that, the signer describes the locations of the three other objects one by one, each with a nominal expression followed by a classifier predicate. For the book, the classifier handshape is a flat B-handshape. For the ruler, the classifier handshape involves the extension of the middle and index fingers. The pencil is a short, elongated object and is represented by an extended index finger only. All four classifiers represent the physical appearance (i.e., size and shape) of the associated noun referents. As such, they belong to the category of SASSes.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=94893bb9-b144-45a0-8586-b1bf007e4158&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">All four SASSes in Example 5 are combined with locative verb roots to indicate where the objects are located. Classifier handshapes can be combined with motion verb roots, too. Example 6 below shows a ball-shaped SASS combined with a motion verb &#8216;bounce&#8217;: <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Example 6<br\/>BALL CL[=ball bounces on ground]<br\/>&#8216;A ball is bouncing on the ground.&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=fbed62b2-43e1-40e9-86fd-b1bf007e6052&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">It is also possible for a signer to produce two different SASSes with their two hands, each representing a different referent. In Example 7, the signer first introduces the earth with a nominal, and uses a classifier predicate to anchor it in the signing space. This is followed by another clause about the moon and its location relative to the earth. Note that the classifier handshape of the moon is smaller than that of the earth. In the final clause, the hand that represents the moon classifier spins around the earth classifier. <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Example 7<br\/>EARTH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CL[=big round object be located],&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOON&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CL[=small round object be located],  CL[=small round object moves around the big round object]<br\/>&#8216;The moon evolves around the earth.&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cuhk.ap.panopto.com\/Panopto\/Pages\/Embed.aspx?id=8fdbebe0-4e9d-4b2d-97ac-b1bf007e84e0&amp;autoplay=false&amp;offerviewer=false&amp;showtitle=false&amp;showbrand=false&amp;captions=false&amp;interactivity=none\" height=\"285\" width=\"720\" style=\"border: 1px solid #464646;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Table 1 below lists out some examples of SASS handshapes in HKSL and what they can stand for (Tang, 2007). <\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Table 1. Examples of SASS handshapes in HKSL<\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td><b>SASS handshapes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What the SASSes may stand for<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.1)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:300px\"\/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>2-dimensional circular objects, e.g., large button, coin, an owl&#8217;s eye.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.2)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>Very small  objects, e.g., button, seed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.3)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>Cylindrical objects, e.g., cup\/glass, soft drink can.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.4)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>3-dimensional curved\/cubic objects, or objects with a broader base e.g., bell, house, pyramid.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.5)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>Objects with two long and narrow subparts connected at one hand, e.g., crab claws, scissors, and chopsticks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>(1.6)<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"193\" height=\"317\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" style=\"width:120px\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.6.png 193w, http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/module_17.6-183x300.png 183w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 193px) 100vw, 193px\" \/><\/figure><\/td>\n<td>Linear objects, e.g., toothbrush, compass needle, knitting needle.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">SASSes tend to be similar across sign languages because they are visually iconic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong><strong><u><br>References:<\/u><\/strong><\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Allan, K. (1977). Classifiers. <em>Language, 53<\/em>, 285-311. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1353\/lan.1977.0043\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1353\/lan.1977.0043<\/a> .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Croft, W. (1994). Semantic universals in classifier systems. <em>Word, 45<\/em>(2), 145-171.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Grinevald, C. (2000). A morphosyntactic typology of classifiers. In G. Senft (Ed.), <em>Systems of nominal classification<\/em> (pp. 50-92). Cambridge University Press.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Her, O., Hammarstr\u00f6m, H., &amp; Allassonni\u00e8re-Tang, M. (2022). Defining numeral classifiers and identifying classifier languages of the world. <em>Linguistics vanguard, 8<\/em>(1), 151-164. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1515\/lingvan-2022-0006\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1515\/lingvan-2022-0006<\/a> .<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Mithun, M. (1986). The convergence of noun classification systems. In C. Craig (Ed.), <em>Noun classes and categorization <\/em>(pp. 379-197). John Benjamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Supalla, T. (1982). Structure and acquisition of verbs of motion and location in American Sign Language. [PhD Dissertation, University of California].<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Supalla, T. (1986). The classifier system in American Sign Language. In C. Craig (Ed.), <em>Noun classes and categorization<\/em> (pp. 181-214). John Benjamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Tang, G. (2007). <em>Hong Kong Sign Language: A trilingual dictionary with linguistic descriptions.<\/em> The Chinese University of Hong Kong.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Zwitserlood, I. (2012). Classifiers. In R. Pfau, M. Steinbach, &amp; B. Woll (Eds), <em>Sign language: An international handbook<\/em> (pp.158-185). De Gruyter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/sign-linguistics\/module-16-non-manuals-in-sign-languages-ii\/\">&lt; Module 16 &#8211; Non-manuals in Sign Languages (II)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/sign-linguistics\/module-18-classifier-constructions-in-sign-languages-ii\/\">Module 18 &#8211; Classifier Constructions in Sign Languages (II) &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div><p id=\"pvc_stats_2534\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"2534\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon small\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p><div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this and the next module, we will look at classifier constructions in sign languages. Most of the sign languages studied to date are reported to have this kind of constructions (Zwitserlood, 2012). Classifier constructions are complex morphological structures that are visually and spatially iconic, and involve simultaneous combinations of&#8230; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/sign-linguistics\/module-17-classifier-constructions-in-sign-languages-i\/\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_2534\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"2534\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon small\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":763,"menu_order":17,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":"[]"},"class_list":["post-2534","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2534"}],"version-history":[{"count":102,"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2808,"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2534\/revisions\/2808"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.cslds.org\/apsl-consortium\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}