LSC allows the use of an optional sign self in relative clauses. The sign selects the y handshape and is combined with the mouthing corresponding to the Catalan word mateix or its Spanish counterpart mismo ('the same'). The most common non-manuals accompanying it are raised eyebrows and body leans. However, specific non-manuals for shared information, namely squinted eyes, may also be present.
self with raised eyebrows and body lean self with squinted eyes
(© Marta Mosella 2012. Reprinted with permission from Mosella, 2012: 162)
This sign is linked to a nominal element through the use of the signing space. self may either be combined with the nominal element or it may be used to retrieve it anaphorically in the discourse. Since the sign is body-anchored, body leans are used to point at the location where the referent is established.
self mushroom+ pick++ basket cl(1): ‘put_in_the_basket++’.
‘I’ll put in the basket the mushrooms I’ll pick.’
(based on Mosella, 2012: 176)
We defined the sign self as optional, but when used as part of an answer it is mandatory.
wh
ix2 cook what.
‘What did you cook?’
rel
remember before morning fish buy self.
‘A/the fish that I bought this morning.’
(recreated from Mosella, 2012: 178)
self alternates with the pointing sign, but self only occurs in contexts where the noun it combines with is specific. Therefore, when used in relative constructions, self only refers to definite antecedents.
rel
ix1 marry self girl born morocco.
‘I will marry the girl that was born in Morocco.’
(recreated from Mosella, 2012: 228)