Productive signs include signs sometimes called “classifiers” or, more properly “ classifier predicates” (or “ proforms”).
These classifier predicates may include:
Handling classifiers - e.g. HOLD-A-NEEDLE, HOLD-A-SPOON,
Semantic or whole-entity classifiers - e.g. CAR-MOVES, PERSON-MOVES
Size and shape specifiers – including showing the extent of something - e.g. - LARGE-BOX, THIN-TIE,
Body-part classifiers - e.g. EARS-TWITCHING, DUCK-FEET-WALKING,
All of these show extra information about the referent.
QUIZ
Which of these is a ‘handling cl’, a ‘whole-entity cl’, a ‘sass’, or a ‘body-part cl’?
- CARS-PASS-EACH-OTHER
- HIGH-WALL
- HOLD-A-BOTTLE
- LONG-HAIR
- TAIL-WAGGING
- WIDE-BELT
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