The acquisition of classifier predicates in American Sign Language

Abstract

This project is a comparative investigation of the acquisition of predicate forms that comprise the heart of productive predicate morphology in ASL. These predicates can be organized into three distinct groups, CLASSes, SASSes or size-and-shape-specifiers, and HANDLEs. Basically, these classifier predicates are differentiated by (1) their handshape, (2) the meaning of path movement, and (3) the use of space. In HANDLE forms, the resulting form is an agentive transitive predicate. SASS predicates, in their most common form, are predicate adjectives. CLASS forms are intransitive verbs of motion and location. Each of these predicates has its own set of morphological rules and constraints. Previous researchers have looked at CLASSes, as termed in this model, and have found that they are mastered at a relatively late age. This prolonged developmental timetable has been attributed to their overall morphological complexity. However, most investigations have considered handshape production as evidence of acquisition. This project investigated the acquisition of classifier morphosyntax by examining the use of handshape, space and movement in HANDLE, CLASS and SASS predicates. In addition, the role of morphological complexity in production was examined. The subjects were 24 profoundly deaf children, ages 4;5-9;0 who had Deaf parents. Activities were created to elicit 72 predicates exemplifying HANDLE, CLASS, and SASS forms. Each type of predicate was elicited in morphologically simple and complex structures. The results indicated that children differentiated among these classifier predicates in their productions. Use of some morphemes could be predicted by considering the structure of the morphological paradigm or the morphosyntax of the predicate. For example, handshape production appeared to reflect predictions based on paradigm structures. Other results were best understood when the morphosyntax was considered. Subjects produced forms that use space to indicate verb agreement, as in HANDLE predicates, more accurately than forms in which space indicates locative relationships, as in CLASS predicates.

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