Linguistics: Spatial Grammar

One of the ways in which signed languages differ from spoken languages is in their extensive use of space. This is apparent at different levels of linguistic organization. For example, space can be used to make contrasts at the phonological level through changes in the location parameter, and signers may arrange themes within signing space to structure their discourse. Here, the referential and topographic uses of space within signed languages generally will be discussed with examples from British Sign Language (BSL).

A clear example of the use of space in signed languages lies within their pronominal systems. Pronouns can be directed toward a location in space associated with their intended referents. For example, a BSL signer may associate a location on their right (x) with a referent known as John. Following this, all subsequent points to x will then be understood as an unambiguous reference to John.

This use of space is also prevalent within agreement verbs. Agreement verbs can be modified so that their start and/or end points correspond with locations associated with their arguments (e.g., the subject and object of the verb). For instance, the same signer may associate a second location on their left (y) with a second referent “Paul.” The verb GIVE can then move from x to y to convey the meaning “John gave Paul something).”

This use of space is traditionally described as referential (or syntactic). In this example, the locations selected for John and Paul appear to be arbitrary and do not give any information as to their actual locations in the real world. Some linguists describe the use of space with these verbs as part of an agreement system (similar to how English marks the third person singular on the verb when the subject is in the third person—He likes apples). The use of space in this respect is constrained grammatically; while subject modification is optional, object agreement is considered obligatory. In other words, while GIVE does not need to mark the location of John (the subject), it must mark the location associated with Paul (the object). The grammatical and obligatory nature of space is not without controversy and continues to be debated today.

Signed languages also use space topographically. Signers can directly display the iconic spatial relationship between referents. This is commonly achieved using classifier constructions where the units of handshape, orientation, movement and location may each have their own meanings. For example, if a BSL signer wanted to depict the real world locations of John and Paul, they would use an entity classifier handshape (i.e., a classifier handshape that embodies a part or the whole of the referent) representing human beings (the upright ‘1’ handshape) on each hand, held stationary, and orientated toward one another (see Figure 2). This would be understood as meaning “John and Paul faced each other.” Alternatively, to express the meaning, “John is standing behind Paul,” the signer may adjust the location and orientation of the classifier handshape associated with John so that it is located behind the classifier handshape associated with Paul (see Figure 3).

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