Sign Language Structure
Stokoe, Jr.
1.54. Two smaller movements using the wrist as fulcrum are the nod or carpal motion,
symbolized n, and the open-close, or foral motion, in which the hand spreads or contracts changing
configuration. Symbols: #, close; ], open.
A still smaller motion is digital, a wiggle of the fingers from the knuckles, which is
symbolized e.
1.55. The sigs so far described are all motions of the dez seen as moving freely, the nature
of its movement determined by the muscles and joints involved. A second class of sigs is
characterized by interaction between dez and tab. This includes approach, touching, crossing,
entrance, joining, and grazing, as well as action in some ways opposite: separation and interchange.
These are symbolized as follows:
) approach
× touch
` link, grasp
+ cross
o enter
áàæ , etc. graze
: separate
( interchange
convergent
interagent sigs
divergent
2. Morphocheremics
2.0. If every sign of this sign language were simply composed of a tab, a dez, and a sig, the
morpheme list of the language could be simply determined by the formula:
no. of tabs X no. of dez X no. of sigs = no. of morphemes
But there are several different patterns of sign formation, not to mention compound signs and
contractions; and the language in true linguistic fashion allows certain combinations of elements
and not others. That is to say, the structure of morphemes in the system is not mathematical or
mechanical but linguistic, and this level of organization truly constitutes the morphocheremics of
the language.
2.1. When the tab is zero the dez is free to make any of the sigs except those of interaction
with a tab. These signs cannot, however, be considered tab-less because every sig is defined as
motion of some dez somewhere; and also by definition the ‘somewhat’, however signaled, is the
tab. The zero tab is less precisely located than the others but it is still a place, that space in front of
the signer’s body, where the hand can freely and comfortably move.
2.2. The tabs signaled by parts of the body are more or less precisely located depending on
whether the sig calls for contact by the dez or only motion in their vicinity (Some older informants
and a 1911 motion picture of a sign language rendering of Lincoln’s ‘Gettysburg Address’ indicate
that body tabs were never actually touched in formal signing. CGC). With body tabs any dez may
be used and the following single sigs: circle, approach, touch, and graze. Sig clusters are also
found: circle followed by touch; touch and motion up, down, or away; touch and wiggle; and touch
and circle (rubbing). There are even some triple clusters: touch, right and wiggle as in ‘dream’;
SASLJ, Vol. 2, No. 2 – Fall/Winter 2018
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