A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

3.3.3.2 Integration of the role shifted clause into the main clause

The matrix clause and the embedded role shift clause build a complex clause construction. DGS exhibits a very short prosodic break between the overt matrix clause and the subsequent role shifted part to indicate that they consist of a main clause and a subordinate clause, but are not two separate main sentences. In addition, the non-manual markers of the role shift may already start on the verb of the matrix clause. Thus, the matrix clause and the embedded role shift clause are prosodically integrated and form a complex clausal unit. An example is provided below with the verb tell.

 

                                                                                                                                                             rs:3b

            last thursday m-a-r-c ixcontra p-e-t-e-r ixipsi meetixcontra tell ix1 want tomorrow cinema ix(loc)a

  โ€˜Last Thursday Marc told Peter that he wants to go to the cinema tomorrow.โ€™

         

                                                                                                                                             

(based on Hรผbl, 2016)



 

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)