3.3.2.4. Special non-manual markers

A different use of space distinguishes finite and non-finite object clauses. If the object clause is finite, it is typically articulated with a body lean, as indicated in the examples below (the transition from object clause to main clause is signalled by body shift).

 

 

 

                      bl-right

         pietro leave gianni happy

         โ€˜Gianni is happy that Pietro left.โ€™

 

Body lean can (but does not need to) occur on a non-finite clause, as confirmed by the following sentence.

 

 

 

         contract put_signature gianni forget

         โ€˜Gianni forgot to sign the contract.โ€™

 

Finally, whether the sign pe is used or not, eyebrows can be raised on the sentence initial object clause. When this happens, the sentence initial object clause plausibly sits in a topic position (PRAGMATICS 4.2).