Language Resources and Evaluation Conference (LREC 2020), 2020
This study presents a new method to search sign language lexica, using a full sign as input for a... more This study presents a new method to search sign language lexica, using a full sign as input for a query. Thus, a dictionary user can look up information about a sign by signing the sign to a webcam. The recorded sign is then compared to potential matching signs in the lexicon. As such, it provides a new way of searching sign language dictionaries to complement existing methods based on (spoken language) glosses or phonological features, like handshape or location. The "find the sign" method analyzes the recorded sign using OpenPose to extract the body and finger joint positions. To compare the recorded sign with the signs in the database, the variation in trajectories of the dominant hand and of the fingers is quantified and compared, using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). The method was tested with ten people with various degrees of sign language proficiency. Each subject viewed a set of 20 out of 100 total signs from the newly compiled Ghanaian Sign Language lexicon and was asked to replicate the signs. The results show that our method can predict the matching sign with 87% and 74% accuracy at the Top-10 and Top-5 ranking level respectively by using only the trajectory of the dominant hand. Additionally, more proficient signers obtain 90% accuracy at the Top-10 ranking. The methodology has the potential to be used also as a variation measurement tool to quantify the difference in signing between different signers or sign languages in general.
The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive ... more The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive task, but a condition for a reliable quantitative analysis. During the annotation process the researcher typically defines the precise time slot in which a sign occurs and then enters the appropriate gloss for the sign. The aim of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist the annotation of the signs and their formal features in a video irrespectively of its content and quality. Recent advances in the field of deep learning have led to the development of accurate and fast pose estimation frameworks. In this study, such a framework (namely OpenPose) has been used to develop three different methods and tools to facilitate the annotation process. The first tool estimates the span of a sign sequence and creates empty slots in an annotation file. The second tool detects whether a sign is one- or two-handed. The last tool recognizes the different handshapes presented in a video sample. All tools can be easily re-trained to fit the needs of the researcher.
variation across these sign languages. These findings are then compared to the use of spacebased ... more variation across these sign languages. These findings are then compared to the use of spacebased size depiction (Nyst 2018), revealing that these patterns independently from the distribution of embodying/ handling handshapes. We argue that the results call for expanding typological studies on representational strategies in iconic signs beyond the now relatively well studied instrument/manipulation alternation. Fine-grained analyses on a multitude of iconic features in signs are likely to reveal cross-linguistic variation in iconic tendencies in SL lexicons. Keywords: lexical iconicity; typology of handshape iconicity; African sign languages; handshapes and embodiment; cross-linguistic variation in sign languages; distribution of handling and object handshapes
Essays on African languages and linguistics: in honour of Maarten Mous, 2020
This paper describes both the spoken numerals and the numeral gestures in the Kordofanian languag... more This paper describes both the spoken numerals and the numeral gestures in the Kordofanian language of Lumun, spoken on the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. The findings shed new light on the resilience of counting gestures and words in contact situations. Lumun uses a rather exceptional numeral system, which is built on the principle of equal addenda (Schmidl 1915). Rather than having a fixed base, equal addenda numerals are composed of maximally equal parts, e.g. 3+3 for ‘six’. Equal addenda are found in two branches within the Kordofanian language family, i.e. Talodi and Heiban, but only in a group of neighboring languages in the center of the language area. We, therefore, argue that the equal addenda system is likely to be an old system that was replaced by a 5-based system and Arabic numerals in languages in the periphery, with more language contact. A comparison of the spoken words and the gestures shows that both are strongly motivated by the equal addenda principle, while at the same time showing some interesting mismatches. Lumun is exceptional in the extent of its use of the equal addenda principle. Furthermore, the Lumun gestures look rather unusual due to the folding rather than the extension of the relevant fingers, which starts at the radial side of the hand. The paper presents documented examples of use, illustrating the use of numeral gestures instead of speech, as reported for other languages in East Africa as well.
Langue des Signes Malienne (LaSiMa) is the native language of non-educated adult, mostly male Dea... more Langue des Signes Malienne (LaSiMa) is the native language of non-educated adult, mostly male Deaf signers in Bamako, Mali. It is currently endangered as the Deaf community in Bamako is shifting to American Sign Language. The Projet LaSiMa aims at documenting and describing this language. One of the aims is to construct a corpus of LaSiMa discourse. This paper describes the methodology used so far to collect data. Methods developed for collecting data on Western sign languages appear to require adjustments at various points. Thus, filming signers in an unknown setting appears to hamper spontaneous language production with some signers. Also, some of the materials used in other sign language research appear to be too culture-specific. Criteria used to select signers need adjustment as well. The concept of native signer is less straightforward in the case of LaSiMa, due to its endangered status, the multilingual setting among hearing people in Bamako, and the influence of home signers...
The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive ... more The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive task, but a condition for a reliable quantitative analysis. During the annotation process the researcher typically defines the precise time slot in which a sign occurs and then enters the appropriate gloss for the sign. The aim of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist the annotation of the signs and their formal features in a video irrespectively of its content and quality. Recent advances in the field of deep learning have led to the development of accurate and fast pose estimation frameworks. In this study, such a framework (namely OpenPose) has been used to develop three different methods and tools to facilitate the annotation process. The first tool estimates the span of a sign sequence and creates empty slots in an annotation file. The second tool detects whether a sign is oneor two-handed. The last tool recognizes the different handshapes presented in a video sample. ...
Sign languages are the natural languages of deaf people and deaf communities. In the past 50 year... more Sign languages are the natural languages of deaf people and deaf communities. In the past 50 years, an impressive number of sign languages have come to be studied from a modern linguistic perspective, generating ground-breaking insights into the influence of the communicative channel on language structure. However, only a handful of these studies concern sign languages on the African
This article looks at cross-linguistic variation in lexical iconicity, addressing the question of... more This article looks at cross-linguistic variation in lexical iconicity, addressing the question of to what extent and how this variation is patterned. More than in spoken languages, iconicity is highly frequent in the lexicons of sign languages. It is also highly complex, in that often multiple motivated components jointly shape an iconic lexeme. Recent typological research on spoken languages finds tentative iconic patterning in a large number of basic lexical items, underlining once again the significance of iconicity for human language. The uncontested and widespread use of iconicity found in the lexicons of sign languages enables us to take typological research into lexical iconicity to the next level. Indeed, previous studies have shown cross-linguistic variation in: a) the use of embodying and handling handshapes in sign languages (mostly of European origin) and b) the frequency of space-based size depiction in African and European sign languages. The two types of variation may...
This poster presents an elicitation format for the collection of conventional gesture repertoires... more This poster presents an elicitation format for the collection of conventional gesture repertoires in West Africa. Th e format is developed for the establishment of a database of We st gestures of speakers from various parts of West Afr ica. In a pilot study, the format was used to collect gesture s with three participants.
A considerable body of literature points at parallels between gestural elements and sign language... more A considerable body of literature points at parallels between gestural elements and sign language structures. This raises the question to what extent variation in gesture environment may lead to related variation across sign languages, or, mutatis mutandis, to what extent similarities in gesture environment may lead to similarities across (otherwise unrelated) sign languages.
This article will address that question by reviewing a series of studies relating to size and shape specifying (SASS) signs and gestures in signed and spoken languages in West Africa. The review finds that the use of body-based SASS gestures coincides with the use of body-based SASS signs in the sign languages studied, which in turn aligns with (a) restrictions on the number and types of handshapes used in space-based SASS signs, (b) limited use of space-based size depiction in lexical items (Nyst, 2018), and (c) a gap in the repertoire of phonemic handshapes.
I conclude that culture-specific patterning in gesture environments may
impact on cross-linguistic variation in SASS morphology and handshape
phonology. As such, the gestural environment presents an explanation why
SLs may be alike or different, in addition to shared ancestry, language contact,
and iconicity.
Slovenščina 2.0: empirical, applied and interdisciplinary research
Dr. Paweł Rutkowski is head of the Section for Sign Linguistics at the University of Warsaw. He i... more Dr. Paweł Rutkowski is head of the Section for Sign Linguistics at the University of Warsaw. He is a general linguist and a specialist in the field of syntax of natural languages, carrying out research on Polish Sign Language (polski język migowy — PJM). He has been awarded a number of prizes, grants and scholarships by such institutions as the Foundation for Polish Science, Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, National Science Centre, Poland, Polish–U.S. Fulbright Commission, Kosciuszko Foundation and DAAD.Dr. Rutkowski leads the team developing the Corpus of Polish Sign Language and the Corpus-based Dictionary of Polish Sign Language, the first dictionary of this language prepared in compliance with modern lexicographical standards. The dictionary is an open-access publication, available freely at the following address: www.slownikpjm.uw.edu.pl/en/.This interview took place at eLex 2017, a biennial conference on electronic lexicography, where Dr. Rutkowski was awarded ...
A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coa... more A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coast and Dutch speakers in the Netherlands reveals considerable formational differences. Firstly, whereas all Anyi speakers make use of body parts to depict size and shape, none of the Dutch speakers do. Secondly, Dutch gestures outlining a size and shape in space are more varied than their Anyi counterparts in the number and distribution of the different handshapes, orientations, and movements. In addition, we report comparisons among Anyi speakers in which body parts are used as a way of showing the size of objects with signs for sizes employed in the sign language used by deaf and hearing signers in Adamorobe, a village community in Ghana that is linguistically and culturally related to the Anyi communities in Côte d’Ivoire. This comparison reveals significant similarities as well as differences, suggesting how co-speech gestures may have been adapted for use in this sign language.
This paper presents a semiotic study of the distribution of a type of size depiction in lexical s... more This paper presents a semiotic study of the distribution of a type of size depiction in lexical signs in six sign languages. Recently, a growing number of studies are focusing on the distribution of two representation techniques, i.e. the use of entity handshapes and handling handshapes for the depiction of hand-held tools (e.g. Ortega et al. 2014). Padden et al. (2013) find that there is cross-linguistic variation in the use of this pair of representation techniques. This study looks at variation in a representation technique that has not been systematically studied before, i.e. the delimitation of a stretch of space to depict the size of a referent, or space-based distance for size depiction. It considers the question whether the cross-linguistic variation in the use of this representation technique is governed by language-specific patterning as well (cf. Padden et al. 2013). This study quantifies and compares the occurrence of space-based distance for size depiction in the lexico...
This article presents a comparison of constructions used to express size and shape in co-speech g... more This article presents a comparison of constructions used to express size and shape in co-speech gesture and in two village sign language. The analysis focuses on body part size and shape constructions found in the gestures of speakers of Anyi (Côte d'Ivoire), in the emerging SL of Bouakako (Côte d'Ivoire), and the older, well-established SL of Adamorobe (Ghana). An analysis in terms of diversity in forms and in combinatorial properties are indicative of grammaticalization and lexicalization taking place over time.
This paper presents a model of size and shape depiction in the manual modality, based on a micro-... more This paper presents a model of size and shape depiction in the manual modality, based on a micro-level analysis of the lexicon of Adamorobe Sign Language (Ghana). The model combines strong elements of previous models, such as a dyadic labeling system separating form and meaning as suggested in Taub (2001, Language from the body: Iconicity and metaphor in American Sign Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), and the category of distance for size (Sowa and Wachsmuth 2003, Coverbal iconic gestures for object descriptions in virtual environments: An empirical study. In M. Rector, I. Poggi & N. Trigo (eds.), Gestures: Meaning and use, 365–376. Porto: Edicous Universidade Fernando Pessoa). It systematically describes depiction at the parameter level, viewing size and shape depiction as compositional in nature. The model is innovative in distinguishing two main categories for the expression of size and shape, i. e., shape for shape depiction, and distance for size depiction. The role of movement is seen as secondary to these two categories, and either signals extent (when combined with shape for shape depiction) or a change in it (when combined with distance for size depiction). Applying the model to a set of lexical data of Adamorobe Sign Language revealed the need for a new sub-category for distance for size depiction, i. e., of body-based distance for size depiction as found in so-called measure stick signs. Parameter-level analysis is indispensable for cross-linguistic comparisons. To this end, frequency data are presented as well. Keywords: descriptive model for size and shape depiction, Adamorobe Sign Language, gestural/manual depiction, measure stick signs, patterned iconicity, embodiment
Little is known about the sign languages used on the African continent. This chapter considers th... more Little is known about the sign languages used on the African continent. This chapter considers the distribution, use and history of sign languages in the Western part of this continent.
This corpus contains the results of a sign language survey in the Dogon area of Mali, notably in ... more This corpus contains the results of a sign language survey in the Dogon area of Mali, notably in Bandiagara, Douentza and surrounding villages and Berbey, close to Hombori. It contains 32 hours of signing of 68 signers and includes signed conversations, interviews and lexical items. The corpus is accessible on request. Please use the contact form to this end. For more information see (Nyst, Sylla, Magassouba, forthcoming). We thank the Dutch Science Foundation for funding this corpus project under the EuroBabel program.
In Ghana, several sign languages are in use. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) is used in Deaf schools... more In Ghana, several sign languages are in use. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) is used in Deaf schools and urban Deaf communities (Nyst, 2010). There is a dictionary of GSL (GNAD, not dated). GSL courses are offered at the University of Ghana, Legon and at Winneba University.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) is used in the village of Adamorobe. AdaSL is an old, established sign language. For linguistic and anthropological studies of AdaSL, see Nyst (2007) and Kusters (2011).
Au Ghana, plusieurs langues des signes sont utilisés. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) est utilisé dans les écoles pour les sourds et les communautés urbaines de sourds (Nyst, 2010). Il y a un dictionnaire de GSL (GNAD, non daté). Des cours en GSL sont offerts par l’Université du Ghana à Legon et à l’Université de Winneba.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) est utilisé dans le village d’Adamorobe. AdaSL est une langue des signes ancienne et bien établie. Pour des études linguistiques et anthropologiques de l’AdaSL, voir Nyst (2007) et Kusters (2011).
Language Resources and Evaluation Conference (LREC 2020), 2020
This study presents a new method to search sign language lexica, using a full sign as input for a... more This study presents a new method to search sign language lexica, using a full sign as input for a query. Thus, a dictionary user can look up information about a sign by signing the sign to a webcam. The recorded sign is then compared to potential matching signs in the lexicon. As such, it provides a new way of searching sign language dictionaries to complement existing methods based on (spoken language) glosses or phonological features, like handshape or location. The "find the sign" method analyzes the recorded sign using OpenPose to extract the body and finger joint positions. To compare the recorded sign with the signs in the database, the variation in trajectories of the dominant hand and of the fingers is quantified and compared, using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). The method was tested with ten people with various degrees of sign language proficiency. Each subject viewed a set of 20 out of 100 total signs from the newly compiled Ghanaian Sign Language lexicon and was asked to replicate the signs. The results show that our method can predict the matching sign with 87% and 74% accuracy at the Top-10 and Top-5 ranking level respectively by using only the trajectory of the dominant hand. Additionally, more proficient signers obtain 90% accuracy at the Top-10 ranking. The methodology has the potential to be used also as a variation measurement tool to quantify the difference in signing between different signers or sign languages in general.
The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive ... more The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive task, but a condition for a reliable quantitative analysis. During the annotation process the researcher typically defines the precise time slot in which a sign occurs and then enters the appropriate gloss for the sign. The aim of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist the annotation of the signs and their formal features in a video irrespectively of its content and quality. Recent advances in the field of deep learning have led to the development of accurate and fast pose estimation frameworks. In this study, such a framework (namely OpenPose) has been used to develop three different methods and tools to facilitate the annotation process. The first tool estimates the span of a sign sequence and creates empty slots in an annotation file. The second tool detects whether a sign is one- or two-handed. The last tool recognizes the different handshapes presented in a video sample. All tools can be easily re-trained to fit the needs of the researcher.
variation across these sign languages. These findings are then compared to the use of spacebased ... more variation across these sign languages. These findings are then compared to the use of spacebased size depiction (Nyst 2018), revealing that these patterns independently from the distribution of embodying/ handling handshapes. We argue that the results call for expanding typological studies on representational strategies in iconic signs beyond the now relatively well studied instrument/manipulation alternation. Fine-grained analyses on a multitude of iconic features in signs are likely to reveal cross-linguistic variation in iconic tendencies in SL lexicons. Keywords: lexical iconicity; typology of handshape iconicity; African sign languages; handshapes and embodiment; cross-linguistic variation in sign languages; distribution of handling and object handshapes
Essays on African languages and linguistics: in honour of Maarten Mous, 2020
This paper describes both the spoken numerals and the numeral gestures in the Kordofanian languag... more This paper describes both the spoken numerals and the numeral gestures in the Kordofanian language of Lumun, spoken on the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. The findings shed new light on the resilience of counting gestures and words in contact situations. Lumun uses a rather exceptional numeral system, which is built on the principle of equal addenda (Schmidl 1915). Rather than having a fixed base, equal addenda numerals are composed of maximally equal parts, e.g. 3+3 for ‘six’. Equal addenda are found in two branches within the Kordofanian language family, i.e. Talodi and Heiban, but only in a group of neighboring languages in the center of the language area. We, therefore, argue that the equal addenda system is likely to be an old system that was replaced by a 5-based system and Arabic numerals in languages in the periphery, with more language contact. A comparison of the spoken words and the gestures shows that both are strongly motivated by the equal addenda principle, while at the same time showing some interesting mismatches. Lumun is exceptional in the extent of its use of the equal addenda principle. Furthermore, the Lumun gestures look rather unusual due to the folding rather than the extension of the relevant fingers, which starts at the radial side of the hand. The paper presents documented examples of use, illustrating the use of numeral gestures instead of speech, as reported for other languages in East Africa as well.
Langue des Signes Malienne (LaSiMa) is the native language of non-educated adult, mostly male Dea... more Langue des Signes Malienne (LaSiMa) is the native language of non-educated adult, mostly male Deaf signers in Bamako, Mali. It is currently endangered as the Deaf community in Bamako is shifting to American Sign Language. The Projet LaSiMa aims at documenting and describing this language. One of the aims is to construct a corpus of LaSiMa discourse. This paper describes the methodology used so far to collect data. Methods developed for collecting data on Western sign languages appear to require adjustments at various points. Thus, filming signers in an unknown setting appears to hamper spontaneous language production with some signers. Also, some of the materials used in other sign language research appear to be too culture-specific. Criteria used to select signers need adjustment as well. The concept of native signer is less straightforward in the case of LaSiMa, due to its endangered status, the multilingual setting among hearing people in Bamako, and the influence of home signers...
The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive ... more The annotation process of sign language corpora in terms of glosses, is a highly labor-intensive task, but a condition for a reliable quantitative analysis. During the annotation process the researcher typically defines the precise time slot in which a sign occurs and then enters the appropriate gloss for the sign. The aim of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist the annotation of the signs and their formal features in a video irrespectively of its content and quality. Recent advances in the field of deep learning have led to the development of accurate and fast pose estimation frameworks. In this study, such a framework (namely OpenPose) has been used to develop three different methods and tools to facilitate the annotation process. The first tool estimates the span of a sign sequence and creates empty slots in an annotation file. The second tool detects whether a sign is oneor two-handed. The last tool recognizes the different handshapes presented in a video sample. ...
Sign languages are the natural languages of deaf people and deaf communities. In the past 50 year... more Sign languages are the natural languages of deaf people and deaf communities. In the past 50 years, an impressive number of sign languages have come to be studied from a modern linguistic perspective, generating ground-breaking insights into the influence of the communicative channel on language structure. However, only a handful of these studies concern sign languages on the African
This article looks at cross-linguistic variation in lexical iconicity, addressing the question of... more This article looks at cross-linguistic variation in lexical iconicity, addressing the question of to what extent and how this variation is patterned. More than in spoken languages, iconicity is highly frequent in the lexicons of sign languages. It is also highly complex, in that often multiple motivated components jointly shape an iconic lexeme. Recent typological research on spoken languages finds tentative iconic patterning in a large number of basic lexical items, underlining once again the significance of iconicity for human language. The uncontested and widespread use of iconicity found in the lexicons of sign languages enables us to take typological research into lexical iconicity to the next level. Indeed, previous studies have shown cross-linguistic variation in: a) the use of embodying and handling handshapes in sign languages (mostly of European origin) and b) the frequency of space-based size depiction in African and European sign languages. The two types of variation may...
This poster presents an elicitation format for the collection of conventional gesture repertoires... more This poster presents an elicitation format for the collection of conventional gesture repertoires in West Africa. Th e format is developed for the establishment of a database of We st gestures of speakers from various parts of West Afr ica. In a pilot study, the format was used to collect gesture s with three participants.
A considerable body of literature points at parallels between gestural elements and sign language... more A considerable body of literature points at parallels between gestural elements and sign language structures. This raises the question to what extent variation in gesture environment may lead to related variation across sign languages, or, mutatis mutandis, to what extent similarities in gesture environment may lead to similarities across (otherwise unrelated) sign languages.
This article will address that question by reviewing a series of studies relating to size and shape specifying (SASS) signs and gestures in signed and spoken languages in West Africa. The review finds that the use of body-based SASS gestures coincides with the use of body-based SASS signs in the sign languages studied, which in turn aligns with (a) restrictions on the number and types of handshapes used in space-based SASS signs, (b) limited use of space-based size depiction in lexical items (Nyst, 2018), and (c) a gap in the repertoire of phonemic handshapes.
I conclude that culture-specific patterning in gesture environments may
impact on cross-linguistic variation in SASS morphology and handshape
phonology. As such, the gestural environment presents an explanation why
SLs may be alike or different, in addition to shared ancestry, language contact,
and iconicity.
Slovenščina 2.0: empirical, applied and interdisciplinary research
Dr. Paweł Rutkowski is head of the Section for Sign Linguistics at the University of Warsaw. He i... more Dr. Paweł Rutkowski is head of the Section for Sign Linguistics at the University of Warsaw. He is a general linguist and a specialist in the field of syntax of natural languages, carrying out research on Polish Sign Language (polski język migowy — PJM). He has been awarded a number of prizes, grants and scholarships by such institutions as the Foundation for Polish Science, Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, National Science Centre, Poland, Polish–U.S. Fulbright Commission, Kosciuszko Foundation and DAAD.Dr. Rutkowski leads the team developing the Corpus of Polish Sign Language and the Corpus-based Dictionary of Polish Sign Language, the first dictionary of this language prepared in compliance with modern lexicographical standards. The dictionary is an open-access publication, available freely at the following address: www.slownikpjm.uw.edu.pl/en/.This interview took place at eLex 2017, a biennial conference on electronic lexicography, where Dr. Rutkowski was awarded ...
A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coa... more A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coast and Dutch speakers in the Netherlands reveals considerable formational differences. Firstly, whereas all Anyi speakers make use of body parts to depict size and shape, none of the Dutch speakers do. Secondly, Dutch gestures outlining a size and shape in space are more varied than their Anyi counterparts in the number and distribution of the different handshapes, orientations, and movements. In addition, we report comparisons among Anyi speakers in which body parts are used as a way of showing the size of objects with signs for sizes employed in the sign language used by deaf and hearing signers in Adamorobe, a village community in Ghana that is linguistically and culturally related to the Anyi communities in Côte d’Ivoire. This comparison reveals significant similarities as well as differences, suggesting how co-speech gestures may have been adapted for use in this sign language.
This paper presents a semiotic study of the distribution of a type of size depiction in lexical s... more This paper presents a semiotic study of the distribution of a type of size depiction in lexical signs in six sign languages. Recently, a growing number of studies are focusing on the distribution of two representation techniques, i.e. the use of entity handshapes and handling handshapes for the depiction of hand-held tools (e.g. Ortega et al. 2014). Padden et al. (2013) find that there is cross-linguistic variation in the use of this pair of representation techniques. This study looks at variation in a representation technique that has not been systematically studied before, i.e. the delimitation of a stretch of space to depict the size of a referent, or space-based distance for size depiction. It considers the question whether the cross-linguistic variation in the use of this representation technique is governed by language-specific patterning as well (cf. Padden et al. 2013). This study quantifies and compares the occurrence of space-based distance for size depiction in the lexico...
This article presents a comparison of constructions used to express size and shape in co-speech g... more This article presents a comparison of constructions used to express size and shape in co-speech gesture and in two village sign language. The analysis focuses on body part size and shape constructions found in the gestures of speakers of Anyi (Côte d'Ivoire), in the emerging SL of Bouakako (Côte d'Ivoire), and the older, well-established SL of Adamorobe (Ghana). An analysis in terms of diversity in forms and in combinatorial properties are indicative of grammaticalization and lexicalization taking place over time.
This paper presents a model of size and shape depiction in the manual modality, based on a micro-... more This paper presents a model of size and shape depiction in the manual modality, based on a micro-level analysis of the lexicon of Adamorobe Sign Language (Ghana). The model combines strong elements of previous models, such as a dyadic labeling system separating form and meaning as suggested in Taub (2001, Language from the body: Iconicity and metaphor in American Sign Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), and the category of distance for size (Sowa and Wachsmuth 2003, Coverbal iconic gestures for object descriptions in virtual environments: An empirical study. In M. Rector, I. Poggi & N. Trigo (eds.), Gestures: Meaning and use, 365–376. Porto: Edicous Universidade Fernando Pessoa). It systematically describes depiction at the parameter level, viewing size and shape depiction as compositional in nature. The model is innovative in distinguishing two main categories for the expression of size and shape, i. e., shape for shape depiction, and distance for size depiction. The role of movement is seen as secondary to these two categories, and either signals extent (when combined with shape for shape depiction) or a change in it (when combined with distance for size depiction). Applying the model to a set of lexical data of Adamorobe Sign Language revealed the need for a new sub-category for distance for size depiction, i. e., of body-based distance for size depiction as found in so-called measure stick signs. Parameter-level analysis is indispensable for cross-linguistic comparisons. To this end, frequency data are presented as well. Keywords: descriptive model for size and shape depiction, Adamorobe Sign Language, gestural/manual depiction, measure stick signs, patterned iconicity, embodiment
Little is known about the sign languages used on the African continent. This chapter considers th... more Little is known about the sign languages used on the African continent. This chapter considers the distribution, use and history of sign languages in the Western part of this continent.
This corpus contains the results of a sign language survey in the Dogon area of Mali, notably in ... more This corpus contains the results of a sign language survey in the Dogon area of Mali, notably in Bandiagara, Douentza and surrounding villages and Berbey, close to Hombori. It contains 32 hours of signing of 68 signers and includes signed conversations, interviews and lexical items. The corpus is accessible on request. Please use the contact form to this end. For more information see (Nyst, Sylla, Magassouba, forthcoming). We thank the Dutch Science Foundation for funding this corpus project under the EuroBabel program.
In Ghana, several sign languages are in use. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) is used in Deaf schools... more In Ghana, several sign languages are in use. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) is used in Deaf schools and urban Deaf communities (Nyst, 2010). There is a dictionary of GSL (GNAD, not dated). GSL courses are offered at the University of Ghana, Legon and at Winneba University.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) is used in the village of Adamorobe. AdaSL is an old, established sign language. For linguistic and anthropological studies of AdaSL, see Nyst (2007) and Kusters (2011).
Au Ghana, plusieurs langues des signes sont utilisés. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) est utilisé dans les écoles pour les sourds et les communautés urbaines de sourds (Nyst, 2010). Il y a un dictionnaire de GSL (GNAD, non daté). Des cours en GSL sont offerts par l’Université du Ghana à Legon et à l’Université de Winneba.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) est utilisé dans le village d’Adamorobe. AdaSL est une langue des signes ancienne et bien établie. Pour des études linguistiques et anthropologiques de l’AdaSL, voir Nyst (2007) et Kusters (2011).
A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coa... more A comparison of size gestures made during object descriptions by Anyi speakers from the Ivory Coast and Dutch speakers in the Netherlands reveals considerable formational differences. Firstly, whereas all Anyi speakers make use of body parts to depict size and shape, none of the Dutch speakers do. Secondly, Dutch gestures outlining a size and shape in space are more varied than their Anyi counterparts in the number and distribution of the different handshapes, orientations, and movements. In addition, we report comparisons among Anyi speakers in which body parts are used as a way of showing the size of objects with signs for sizes employed in the sign language used by deaf and hearing signers in Adamorobe, a village community in Ghana that is linguistically and culturally related to the Anyi communities in Côte d'Ivoire. This comparison reveals significant similarities as well as differences, suggesting how co-speech gestures may have been adapted for use in this sign language. The depiction of size and shape in gestures accompanying object descriptions 157 1. Ethnologue on Anyi (ISO 639-3 [any]) and Dutch (ISO 639-3 [nld]): http://www.ethnologue.com. Last accessed: 20-05-2015.
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Papers by victoria nyst
Lumun uses a rather exceptional numeral system, which is built on the principle of equal addenda (Schmidl 1915). Rather than having a fixed base, equal addenda numerals are composed of maximally equal parts, e.g. 3+3 for ‘six’.
Equal addenda are found in two branches within the Kordofanian language family, i.e. Talodi and Heiban, but only in a group of neighboring languages in the center of the language area. We, therefore, argue that the equal addenda system is likely to be an old system that was replaced by a 5-based system and Arabic numerals in languages in the periphery, with more language contact.
A comparison of the spoken words and the gestures shows that both are strongly motivated by the equal addenda principle, while at the same time showing some interesting mismatches. Lumun is exceptional in the extent of its use of the equal addenda principle. Furthermore, the Lumun gestures look rather unusual due to the folding rather than the extension of the relevant fingers, which starts at the radial side of the hand.
The paper presents documented examples of use, illustrating the use of numeral gestures instead of speech, as reported for other languages in East Africa as well.
This article will address that question by reviewing a series of studies relating to size and shape specifying (SASS) signs and gestures in signed and spoken languages in West Africa. The review finds that the use of body-based SASS gestures coincides with the use of body-based SASS signs in the sign languages studied, which in turn aligns with (a) restrictions on the number and types of handshapes used in space-based SASS signs, (b) limited use of space-based size depiction in lexical items (Nyst, 2018), and (c) a gap in the repertoire of phonemic handshapes.
I conclude that culture-specific patterning in gesture environments may
impact on cross-linguistic variation in SASS morphology and handshape
phonology. As such, the gestural environment presents an explanation why
SLs may be alike or different, in addition to shared ancestry, language contact,
and iconicity.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) is used in the village of Adamorobe. AdaSL is an old, established sign language. For linguistic and anthropological studies of AdaSL, see Nyst (2007) and Kusters (2011).
Between 2010 – 2012, a trilingual video corpus of AdaSL was compiled. The corpus is stored in the DoBeS archive: http://corpus1.mpi.nl/ds/imdi_browser/
Au Ghana, plusieurs langues des signes sont utilisés. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) est utilisé dans les écoles pour les sourds et les communautés urbaines de sourds (Nyst, 2010). Il y a un dictionnaire de GSL (GNAD, non daté). Des cours en GSL sont offerts par l’Université du Ghana à Legon et à l’Université de Winneba.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) est utilisé dans le village d’Adamorobe. AdaSL est une langue des signes ancienne et bien établie. Pour des études linguistiques et anthropologiques de l’AdaSL, voir Nyst (2007) et Kusters (2011).
Entre 2010-2012, un corpus vidéo trilingue de l’AdaSL a été compilé. Le corpus est stocké dans l’archive DoBeS: http://corpus1.mpi.nl/ds/imdi_browser/
Lumun uses a rather exceptional numeral system, which is built on the principle of equal addenda (Schmidl 1915). Rather than having a fixed base, equal addenda numerals are composed of maximally equal parts, e.g. 3+3 for ‘six’.
Equal addenda are found in two branches within the Kordofanian language family, i.e. Talodi and Heiban, but only in a group of neighboring languages in the center of the language area. We, therefore, argue that the equal addenda system is likely to be an old system that was replaced by a 5-based system and Arabic numerals in languages in the periphery, with more language contact.
A comparison of the spoken words and the gestures shows that both are strongly motivated by the equal addenda principle, while at the same time showing some interesting mismatches. Lumun is exceptional in the extent of its use of the equal addenda principle. Furthermore, the Lumun gestures look rather unusual due to the folding rather than the extension of the relevant fingers, which starts at the radial side of the hand.
The paper presents documented examples of use, illustrating the use of numeral gestures instead of speech, as reported for other languages in East Africa as well.
This article will address that question by reviewing a series of studies relating to size and shape specifying (SASS) signs and gestures in signed and spoken languages in West Africa. The review finds that the use of body-based SASS gestures coincides with the use of body-based SASS signs in the sign languages studied, which in turn aligns with (a) restrictions on the number and types of handshapes used in space-based SASS signs, (b) limited use of space-based size depiction in lexical items (Nyst, 2018), and (c) a gap in the repertoire of phonemic handshapes.
I conclude that culture-specific patterning in gesture environments may
impact on cross-linguistic variation in SASS morphology and handshape
phonology. As such, the gestural environment presents an explanation why
SLs may be alike or different, in addition to shared ancestry, language contact,
and iconicity.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) is used in the village of Adamorobe. AdaSL is an old, established sign language. For linguistic and anthropological studies of AdaSL, see Nyst (2007) and Kusters (2011).
Between 2010 – 2012, a trilingual video corpus of AdaSL was compiled. The corpus is stored in the DoBeS archive: http://corpus1.mpi.nl/ds/imdi_browser/
Au Ghana, plusieurs langues des signes sont utilisés. Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) est utilisé dans les écoles pour les sourds et les communautés urbaines de sourds (Nyst, 2010). Il y a un dictionnaire de GSL (GNAD, non daté). Des cours en GSL sont offerts par l’Université du Ghana à Legon et à l’Université de Winneba.
Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) est utilisé dans le village d’Adamorobe. AdaSL est une langue des signes ancienne et bien établie. Pour des études linguistiques et anthropologiques de l’AdaSL, voir Nyst (2007) et Kusters (2011).
Entre 2010-2012, un corpus vidéo trilingue de l’AdaSL a été compilé. Le corpus est stocké dans l’archive DoBeS: http://corpus1.mpi.nl/ds/imdi_browser/