A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

3.1.2. Number markers

Verbs that allow for a spatial modification of movement and/or orientation can express number distinctions. In general, verbs can be divided into a singular and plural verb form and even a more fine-grained distinction between a multiple and exhaustive plural form is found. The singular form of subject and object is normally not expressed, but the plural form, which is only possible with objects, is often realized as an arc movement of the verb.

 

In addition to agreement and spatial verbs, which modify movement and orientation, plain verbs like die sometimes show plural marking. In the example below, die is reduplicated at different locations in space, thus expressing that several people have died.

 

            person++ diea dieb diec                               

            โ€˜Several people have diedโ€™  

(based on Papaspyrou et al., 2008: 157)

 

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)