Temporal Aspect
American Sign Language III
Temporal Aspect

Inflection for frequency or duration of
action.
– Example: if you are complaining about an
ailment that has been going on for awhile.
Types of Temporal Aspects
Uninflected
 Recurring Inflection
 Continuous Inflection

Uninflected

If the activity or situation has occurred
only once.
 Use the basic form of the verb with its
basic movement.
RUNNY-NOSE
COUGH
DIARRHEA
Uninflected

Write 4 of your own sentences in ASL
format using uninflected verbs
Recurring Inflection

If the activity or situation occurs
frequently or regularly.
 Everyday, Every Monday, Every
Month, Every Week, Every year,
etc..

Use the basic form of the verb with
several repetitions.
RUNNY-NOSE
COUGH
DIARRHEA
Recurring Inflection

Write 4 sentences using recurring inflection.
Write sentences in ASL and include words like
 Everyday, Every Monday, Every Month,
Every Week, Every year, etc..

You will be repeating the verb so put a +++
sign after the verb to remind yourself to sign the
verb multiple times.
Continuous Inflection

If the activity or situation has occurred
continuously with little interruption.
 All hour, all day, all week, all morning, etc..

Use the basic form of the verb with a
repeated circular movement.
RUNNY-NOSE
COUGH
DIARRHEA
Continuous Inflection

Write 4 sentences with continuous inflection.
Use ASL format and grammar use words like;
 All hour, all day, all week, all morning,
etc..

You can draw a few circles after the verb to help
you remember to sign the verb in a circular
motion.
Now
sign your sentences
with a partner. Don’t sign
them in any particular order
and see if they can
distinguish between the
different types of verb forms