Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2017

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Language

Abstract

We present evidence for the influence of semantics on the order of subject, object, and verb in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) sentences. While some have argued for a prevailing pattern of SVO in Libras, we find a strong tendency for this order in sentences that do not presuppose the existence of the verb’s object, but not in sentences that do, which instead favor SOV. These findings are coherent with those of a recent study on gesture. We argue that the variable influence of the relevant predicates is particularly salient in sign languages, due to the iconic nature of the visual modality.

Keywords

sign languages, Libras, Brazilian Sign Language, syntax, word order, sign order, semantic verb types

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of the Linguistic Society of America.

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