3.7.1. Locative and demonstrative pronouns
Locative pronouns can refer either to the actual location of a place (such as a living room next door) or they refer to a spatial area associated with a certain place, meaning ‘here’ or ‘there’. In DGS, locative pronouns, just as personal and demonstrative pronouns, are expressed by a H-handshape. However, the final point of the path movement of the locative pronoun is produced more abruptly than with personal pronouns and less abruptly than with demonstrative pronouns.
a. frankfurt ix(loc)a sign language interpreter further develop can
‘In Frankfurt, sign language interpreters can develop further.’
(based on Happ & Vorköper, 2006:97)
b. ix(loc)a student sign, spoken_language ix3a+3bpl grammar grammar along_with interpreter method different all learn
‘There (at that place), students learn grammar of sign language, grammar of spoken language and also different interpreting methods.’
(based on Happ & Vorköper, 2006:97)
The function of demonstrative pronouns is to refer to a specific objects, people or places. In DGS, just as locative pronouns [Lexicon 3.7.1.] and personal pronouns [Lexicon 3.7.2.], demonstrative pronouns have a H -handshape and are articulated with horizontal or downwards movement in the signing space. The main difference between demonstrative pronouns and other pronouns sharing the same handshape is the abrupt movement produced at the end location of these signs. Additionally, in DGS demonstrative pronouns co-occur with a particular mouth gesture ‘ch.’ These pronouns can optionally be accompanied by an eye gaze or an intensive head nod in the direction of the pointing sign. Examples of demonstrative pronouns in DGS are given below.
a. ix(dem)a ch (‘this’)
(based on Mehling, 2010: 113)
b. man ix(dem)a++poss3 friend meet. ix3a happy.
‘This man meets his friend. He is happy.’
(based on Happ & Vorköper, 2006:97)