5.1.5. Superlatives
Gradable adjectives can also be modified to encode superlatives. These express the highest degree on the semantic scale associated with the adjective.
Two strategies that can be used to convey superlatives in LIS consist in the addition of the sign first (a) or most (b) after the adjective. Both signs are articulated with upward path movement.
a. first
b. most
Superlatives are often used to compare one entity to a group of other entities. For example, if one kid is the smartest in his class, the following two superlative constructions can be used.
a. intelligent first
‘The smartest’
b. intelligent most
‘The smartest’
In these cases, the signs first and most do not provide different semantic contributions.
