A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

3.1.2.2. Multiple

The multiple plural form is usually realized by an insertion of a horizontal arc into the movement of the verb. For example, the sentence โ€˜I ask themโ€™ is realized as shown below. The verb starts near the signerโ€™s mouth and then moves in a continuous manner from a location at the contralateral side in an arc to a location at the ipsilateral side of the signing space.

 

            1ask3pl-arc                                           

            โ€˜I ask themโ€™

                                                                       (based on Rathmann & Mathur, 2008:199)

 

 

 

 

In the above example, the object is a non-first person, therefore the arc faces outwards. If the object is marked for first person and plural, the arc faces inwards. The plural form of a subject is not expressed.

 

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)