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)