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Sign Linguistics

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You are at: homeSign linguistics > The structure of words gestures and signs > Manual alphabet

Sign Linguistics

5.7 Manual Alphabet

BSL - Video English - Transcript

Any sign made with a handshape from the manual alphabet will be arbitrary because it cannot have a visual link with the referent. E.g. MOTHER, TUESDAY, BRISTOL, TOILET. We should also note that some signs may have an arbitrary manual letter handshape but that the location or movement of the sign could be visually motivated eg GOLD, SILVER, COFFEE, RUBBER, and other signs used in different regions of BSL.

QUIZ
THINK OF THREE MORE SIGNS THAT ARE MADE WITH LETTERS FROM THE MANUAL ALPHABET

 


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