Pluralization. Chapter 12
Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (1991). Pluralization. In American Sign Language: A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture. Washington, D.C.: Clerc Books, Gallaudet University Press.
In ASL, pluralization has a multiple of facets in which it can be expressed. This can be conveyed through using specific or vague number signs, the use of ASL classifiers, pluralization of pronouns and some nouns, verb repetition to express recurrence, and use of vertical or horizontal sweeping with the hands.
Number signs can be represented by using a particular number before defining the subject to which it applies. Using a vague explanation of a few or several is also a way to express an amount. For example, 5 cats, 2 books, a few teachers, or several cars. Classifiers are generally a singular sign, yet can be made to represent pluralization in a number of ways. This includes sweeping of the hand, repetition of the sign in a different location with a referent to represent either sparse or many of the object in a particular area. Number signs can be used to indicate the number of the object in conjunction with a repeated classifier in space. To indicate that there is a high number of objects, the sweeping movement of the hand would move faster. Furthermore, ASL has specific pluralized classifiers to represent a large number of subjects and objects. Again, with the example of cars, it is seen how ASL can show some, several, a few, and so forth. Pronouns are most often made plural by the use of the sweeping hand gesture. It also may require pointing at different locations to signify pluralization of singular pronouns. Also, in order to express “the two/three/four/five of us/them/you,” ASL uses the hand shapes 2, 3, 4, 5. Examples of this would be "my two friends and I are going to Starbucks," or "the 3 of us are going to Starbucks," and indicating who by pointing. Additionally, some nouns can be pluralized in ASL by repetition, for example, many chairs. Verbs in ASL are repeated as a way of expressing the recurrence of the verb it describes. This pluralizes the noun by use of repetition, such as expressing the verb in different locations, alternating hands in expressing the verb, and moving both hands to and from different directions in space simultaneously in an arc shape. Examples include working a lot, or sending many emails. (Learn more about this in Temporal Aspect.) Finally, pluralization can be expressed through horizontal or vertical sweeping. Certain verbs, nouns, and pronouns must be swept horizontally, while others are swept vertically, and some may be swept either way, depending on the context. Repeating the sign within the sweeping is also an acceptable way to show pluralization for certain signs. For example, every morning, or every Monday, or contacting many people, or many signatures.
When it comes to pluralization, I find that the different categories of pluralizing are a bit complicated. I understand how to produce them, but I have difficulty understanding or identifying which is which. In terms of classifiers, I most particularly have a difficult time recognizing which category they fit under, while I also am still working at incorporating them into my signing. In regards to the aspect in which verbs are pluralized, I find it somewhat complicated, as it overlaps with temporal aspect.
Number signs can be represented by using a particular number before defining the subject to which it applies. Using a vague explanation of a few or several is also a way to express an amount. For example, 5 cats, 2 books, a few teachers, or several cars. Classifiers are generally a singular sign, yet can be made to represent pluralization in a number of ways. This includes sweeping of the hand, repetition of the sign in a different location with a referent to represent either sparse or many of the object in a particular area. Number signs can be used to indicate the number of the object in conjunction with a repeated classifier in space. To indicate that there is a high number of objects, the sweeping movement of the hand would move faster. Furthermore, ASL has specific pluralized classifiers to represent a large number of subjects and objects. Again, with the example of cars, it is seen how ASL can show some, several, a few, and so forth. Pronouns are most often made plural by the use of the sweeping hand gesture. It also may require pointing at different locations to signify pluralization of singular pronouns. Also, in order to express “the two/three/four/five of us/them/you,” ASL uses the hand shapes 2, 3, 4, 5. Examples of this would be "my two friends and I are going to Starbucks," or "the 3 of us are going to Starbucks," and indicating who by pointing. Additionally, some nouns can be pluralized in ASL by repetition, for example, many chairs. Verbs in ASL are repeated as a way of expressing the recurrence of the verb it describes. This pluralizes the noun by use of repetition, such as expressing the verb in different locations, alternating hands in expressing the verb, and moving both hands to and from different directions in space simultaneously in an arc shape. Examples include working a lot, or sending many emails. (Learn more about this in Temporal Aspect.) Finally, pluralization can be expressed through horizontal or vertical sweeping. Certain verbs, nouns, and pronouns must be swept horizontally, while others are swept vertically, and some may be swept either way, depending on the context. Repeating the sign within the sweeping is also an acceptable way to show pluralization for certain signs. For example, every morning, or every Monday, or contacting many people, or many signatures.
When it comes to pluralization, I find that the different categories of pluralizing are a bit complicated. I understand how to produce them, but I have difficulty understanding or identifying which is which. In terms of classifiers, I most particularly have a difficult time recognizing which category they fit under, while I also am still working at incorporating them into my signing. In regards to the aspect in which verbs are pluralized, I find it somewhat complicated, as it overlaps with temporal aspect.