2.1.2.4. Classifier handshape
Classifier predicates agree with the subject and the direct object in a sentence. Transitive and ditransitive sentences can have a grabbing handling classifier or a contact handling classifier which mark agreement with the subject and a direct object. A handling classifier predicate agrees with its object argument for its size and shape. In the following example the extended-fingers of C-Handshape agrees with the diameters of the carpet that is being carried.
carpet CL(w):‘wrap’ CL(?):‘carry’
‘The may wraps the carpet and carries it.’
(Sevgi 2019)
A transitive classifier can also agree with the surface of the object which is manipulated by simulating touching. In the following example, the hands mimic touching the surface of a pillow and agreement with a Flat-Handshape is expressed.
tough pillow CL(x):‘push’
‘(The boy) is pushing a tough pillow.’
(Sevgi 2019)
An intransitive classifier predicate can agree with the size and shape of a single argument in the sentence. The whole entity classifier Cup-Handshape shows the size and shape of an entire chicken below.
chicken CL(?):‘exist’
‘There is a chicken. A chicken (meat) is lying like this.’
(Sevgi 2019)
The C-Handshape below agrees with the subject plate.
table plate wrong fallCL(l):'fall_of_the_plate'
‘A plate falls accidentally.’
(Kayabaşı in progress)
A body part classifier agrees with the body part of the subject. The classifier shows agreement with the legs of a robot below.
CL(b):‘jump’a
robot CL:‘exist’a ixa circle_tracing. CL(b):‘jump’a
‘There is a round robot. (It) is jumping’
(Sevgi 2019)