A Grammar of Italian Sign Language (LIS)

The manual markers used in coordination and subordination (SYNTAX 3) can also be considered as discourse connectors from a discourse point of view. The same markers also play a role in the dynamics of a signed conversation (PRAGMATICS 10).

         The various discourse markers used in LIS can be classified into four categories according to their function: i) discourse structuring markers, ii) discourse connectors, iii) reformulation markers, and iv) argumentative markers.

         Discourse structuring markers are used to link phrases or sentences binding together pieces of discourse. They enhance the logical structure of a text and express several different relationships, such as introducing, connecting or concluding a discourse. Some examples of discourse structuring markers in LIS are listed and shown below.

 

         Table: Discourse structuring markers in LIS

Ordering markers: initial	now     start     know     well      unexpected
Ordering markers: continuity	after   plus   in_addiction     aside
Ordering markers: closure	finish      anymore      last   close

 

An example of the contextual use of an initial marker is reported below. The discourse particle is marked in bold.

 

 

 

         well ix₂ hope ix_2pl understand ix₁ explain

         ‘Well, I hope you understood what I explained.’

 

The following sentence includes the sign plus, employed as continuative discourse marker. For the sake of clarity, it is highlighted in bold.

 

 

 

         please house come_back window CL(A): ‘roll_up_the_blinds’ CL(4): ‘rolled_up_blinds’ plus cat ix_a food give_3a

         ‘Please, when you come back home, roll up the blinds and also feed the cat.’

 

The example below shows a case of final discourse marker in bold.

 

 

 

         sign ix parameter four handshape palm_orientation, movement location finish

         ‘The sign has four parameters: handshape, palm orientation, movement and location. Finish.’

 

Discourse connectors are those markers which link sentences and form more complex discursive structures. Some examples of discourse connectors are reported in the table below.

 

         Table: Discourse connectors in LIS

but	contrary	or
plus	consequence

 

An example of discourse connectors in LIS is the sign consequence. Such discourse particle creates a consequential relationship among sentences, as displayed in the example below.

 

 

 

         municipality project eliminate consequence ix company close

         ‘The municipality cancelled the project and as a result the company closed   down.’

 

Reformulation markers are used to rephrase sentences or pieces of discourse, by adding information or by adding further explanation to a concept, as displayed below.

 

         Table: Reformulation markers in LIS

Explanatory:	meaning
Recapitulative:	briefly

 

An example of a reformulation marker is shown below.

 

 

 

         municipality ix money invest neg_o meaning project pe collapse

         ‘The municipality does not have money, namely the project fell apart.’

 

Argumentative markers are supposed to reinforce or exemplify the discourse, examples of these two markers are reported in the table below.

 

         Table: Argumentative markers in LIS

Reinforcement:	exactly
Exemplifiers:	example	type

 

In the examples below, we show how argumentative markers can be used in context. Respectively, example (a) displays a case of reinforcement marker and example (b) shows a case of exemplificative marker.

 

 

 

         a.            veneto region exactly ix(loc) padua ix(loc) done protest number most

         ‘Most of the protests have taken place in Veneto, especially in Padua.’

 

 

 

         b.            ix₂ glove++ type poss₃ clean take

         ‘Take the gloves, those for cleaning.’