1.2.3. Buoys

Buoys are elements that are employed for keeping track of the referents in discourse as reminders of the ongoing topic, or for backtracking information [Pragmatics - 2.2.3.]. In such cases, the non-dominant hand is used and is kept in a stationary configuration.

     When a number of different individuals is discussed, list buoys can be used. In such cases, the index finger of the dominant hand is used in TÄ°D for referring to particular individuals articulated on the non-dominant hand.

Another type of buoy that is used is the verb say. This is a buoy that is sometimes used in reported speech and it marks the continuation of the reported discourse. The word say is retained on the non-dominant hand for some part of the utterance(s) [Syntax – 3.3.3.3.]. This buoy has the discourse function as a reminder. Its function is to remind the speech participant that a particular segment of what is being signed is, in fact, a reported utterance.