Core ASL grammar concepts: topic-comment sentence structure, non-manual markers (eyebrow raises and head tilts for questions), and basic classifiers. Front: the English concept or example sentence. Back: an explanation of how ASL expresses it, since ASL grammar differs from English word order.
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- In English, we say 'I like pizza.' How does ASL change the word order?
- ASL uses topic-comment structure: PIZZA, I-LIKE (topic first, then comment). The topic is often marked with a raised eyebrow.
- What is topic-comment sentence structure?
- The speaker establishes a topic first (what the sentence is about), then makes a comment (what is said about it). ASL emphasizes the topic upfront, unlike English SVO (subject-verb-object) order.
- How do you mark a topic in ASL?
- Raise your eyebrows while signing the topic, and hold the position briefly. This non-manual marker signals 'this is what we are talking about.'
- In ASL, 'My car is red' would be signed as what structure?
- CAR MINE (topic, with raised eyebrows), RED (comment). The English object + possessor is fronted as the topic.
- What does the comment part of a topic-comment sentence contain?
- The comment contains the main verb and any additional information about the topic. It answers what is being said about the topic.
- How do you ask a yes/no question in ASL using non-manual markers?
- Raise both eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward or to the side while signing the question. This eyebrow raise signals a yes/no question.
- What non-manual marker accompanies wh-questions (who, what, where, when, why)?
- Lower your eyebrows (furrowed brow) while tilting your head toward the question sign. This distinct expression signals a wh-question.
- In ASL, what does a head tilt indicate?
- A head tilt usually marks a question or shows that you are asking for information. The direction and eyebrow position clarify whether it is a yes/no or wh-question.
- What is a classifier in ASL?
- A classifier is a handshape that represents a class of objects or beings. It moves through signing space to show location, movement, or action of the object it represents.
- Name three types of classifiers in ASL.
- Semantic classifiers (objects like cars or cups), body classifiers (people and animals), and handling classifiers (how something is held or manipulated).
- How do vehicle classifiers work in ASL?
- The flat hand or 3-hand shape moves through space to show the vehicle's movement and location. For example, the 3-hand moving left shows a vehicle going left.
- What is a body classifier used for in ASL?
- Body classifiers show how a person or animal is positioned, located, or moving. They can represent sitting, standing, running, or other body positions in signing space.
- How do classifiers replace pronouns in ASL?
- Once a classifier is established for an object or person in signing space, the movement and location of the classifier shows what that thing is doing, eliminating the need for separate pronoun signs.
- What is spatial agreement in ASL?
- Locations in signing space are assigned to people or objects. Verbs and classifiers move between these locations to show who is doing what to whom.
- How do agreeing verbs work in ASL?
- An agreeing verb moves from the location of the subject to the location of the object. The direction of the sign shows who is the subject and who is the object.