Adverbial Morphemes in Tactile ASL - Gallaudet University

PDE – Steven D. Collins
Findings and Interpretations
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.1.4. Frequency
Adverbials of frequency answers the question: How often? Following are several
examples of this usage as taken from the transcription of the subjects’ videotaped conversation:
4.1.4.1. Example One (Frequency)
Gloss from Transcription:
YES // COMPANY VISIT LIKE W-SIGN-NAME++ HUSBAND #JOHN
WATCH++ #tv W-SIGN-NAME++ CL:Vb “sit Deaf-Blind style” CHAT++
FOUR-HOURS #JOHN WATCH++ #tv // SOMETIMES (I) VISIT (them)
#JOHN WATCH (his TV) PRO CHAT (with W) WELL /
UNDERSTAND+++
English Translation:
It is confirmed that there is company who visits like W–. Her husband, John
watches TV sometimes. W– and I will chat for four hours while John watches
the TV. Sometimes I visit them. John watches TV and she chats. [John]
understands.
Visual ASL:
The signer uses a non-tactile production of the sign with a nodding of the head
up and down while the sign for SOMETIMES moves in a fast circle making it
an adverb of frequency.
Tactile ASL:
In Tactile ASL, a Deaf-Blind individual needs a slow movement of the sign in
a bigger circle in order to make it clear that the meaning is SOMETIMES, as
opposed to a similarly formed sign.
Analysis of Variation:
In the visual ASL production of the sign, the use of a non-tactile nodding of
the head and the movement of the sign in a fast circle is sufficient to convey
the adverb SOMETIMES. A Tactile ASL signer must slow the movement
and move in a larger circle in order to clarify the sign in the context of
frequency. This movement compensates for the inability of a Deaf-Blind
individual to observe the head movement.
60