A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

3.7.2.6. Honorific pronouns

Honorific status [Pragmatics 1.1.2]indicating respect or distance between the two signers can be marked on pronominal pointing signs. In particular, a difference between second person singular formal and informal forms is expressed non-manually through the position of the body. Second person formal pronouns are produced with a slight backward lean of the body while second person informal pronouns are not accompanied with this non-manual.

a. ix_2[proximal]

b. ix₂_[distal]

Another honorific pronoun which is rarely used in DGS and is mainly influenced by the spoken German is signed with a 2-handshape. The pointing direction of the thumb indicates the person of a higher status.

ix₂_[honorific]

List of editors

Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann & Markus Steinbach

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Bibliographical reference for citation

The entire grammar:
Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann & Markus Steinbach (eds.). 2020. A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series). (http://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)

A chapter:
Smith, Mary. 2020. Syntax: 3. Coordination and Subordination. In Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann and Markus Steinbach (eds.), A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series), 230-237. ((https://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)

A section:
Smith, Mary. 2020. Phonology: 1.1.1.2. Finger configuration. In Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann and Markus Steinbach (eds.), A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series), 230-237. (http://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)