Grammar Notes: Directional Words and Noun/Verb Pairs
Directional Words:
What is a directional word?
a sign who’s movement gives it added meaning
(Review: Who can name the 5 parameters of ASL? Palm
Orientation, Handshape, Non-manual Markers, Location,
Movement)
So for a directional word, changing the MOVEMENT adds more
meaning.
Give me a few examples: HELP, COME/GO, GIVE
How would you sign:
y/n-q
Will you help me? you-HELP-me?
Do you sign the lowercased words? No? So why are they there?
To show the direction you move the sign.
How would you sign:
Give her the book.
BOOK you-GIVE-her.
Noun/Verb Pairs:
CAR/DRIVE
CHAIR/SIT
What’s the difference? MOVEMENT!
Nouns are repeated.
Verbs are signed once.
Nouns: Person, place, thing, idea
Verb: action