As introduced in MORPHOLOGY 2.1.1.3, attenuative markers are used to denote that a concept is vague or less strong. The present section describes simultaneous derivational processes in which modifications of manual parameters of the stem and articulation of dedicated non-manual markers occur together to convey attenuation.
In LIS, attenuative of adjectives can be conveyed through dedicated non-manual markers consisting of furrowed eyebrows (fe), lips protrusion (lp) and head tilting left- or rightwards (ht-left/right). The manual sign for the adjective with which they occur is slightly hold at the beginning of its articulation and can display a narrower movement to convey attenuation. The examples below show the difference between the citation form of the adjective cold (a) and its attenuative version (b).
a. cold
fe
lp
ht-left
b. cold
‘Not very cold’
The examples below show the difference between the citation form of the adjective intelligent (a) and its attenuative version (b).
a. intelligent
fe
lp
ht-left
b. intelligent
‘Not very smart’
The same non-manuals can also be employed to convey the vagueness of colour adjectives. To illustrate, we provide below the citation form of yellow (a), produced by a signer whose dominant hand is the left one, and its vague version (b), produced by a signer whose dominant hand is the right one.
a. yellow
lp
ht-left/right
b. yellow
‘Yellowish’