3.2.2. Syllable reduction
One syllable of the disyllabic signs [Phonology 2.1.1.] which include two repeated movements can be reduced in compounds [Morphology 1.]. This process typically correlates with the speed of signing. This is exemplified below in (a-b) where the movement (or syllable) in two syllabic words work and write got reduced when those appear as the heads of compounds in quick signing doctor^work ‘doctoral thesis’ and patient^write ‘sick note’ respectively.
a. work – doctor^work (normal speed) – doctor^work (quick speed)
‘doctoral thesis’
b. write – patient^write (normal speed) – patient^write (quick speed)
‘sick note’