3.1.2.1. Dual

If one of the arguments of a verb refers to two individuals, then the verb may be marked to show duality which has the meanings ‘two of you’, ‘two of them’ etc.

Dual inflection can take different forms depending on whether the verb is one-handed or two-handed.

When the verb is a one-handed sign such as ask, both hands can be used and moved simultaneously, each movement starting from or ending in different locations. Thus, each hand represents an event with a different subject or object. In the following example, there are two different subjects.

 

2+2gıve1

‘You two give me.’

 

 

In the following example, on the other hand, there are two different objects.

 

 

 

 

 

1gıve2+2

‘I give to you two.’

 

 

Simultaneous articulation of (path) movements indicate that the giving event is also simultaneous.