Distributional Aspect. Chapter 14
Shenk, C., & Cokely, D. (1991). Distributional Aspect. In American Sign Language: A Teacher's Resource Text on Grammar and Culture. Washington, D.C.: Clerc Books, Gallaudet University Press.
In ASL, the distributional aspect is used to describe the distribution of an action through the movement of the verb. There are currently four verb inflections to express distributional aspect: to all in a group, to/from each in a group, to/from specified individuals, and to/from unspecified individuals.
To express distribution to all in a group, the hand sweeps horizontally in an arc, with the eyes and head following along with the sweeping movement. For example, handing out papers to all in a group. To express distribution to/from each in a group, the action is made horizontally again, but in a repeated and separate movements of the verb in an arc shape. Once again, the eye gaze and head movement follows the hand movement. For example, each person in a group telling one interesting fact about themselves. Expressing distribution to/from specified individuals implies usually not all individuals, either some or many. The movement uses repetition of the verb alternating with both hands moving either to or from many different points in space. The eye gaze and head movement follows along with the hand movements, accompanied by opening and closing the mouth repeatedly with the movement. For example, taking questions during a presentation. Distribution that expresses something to/from unspecified individuals implies distribution to some or many, but not all individuals. The movement is made through repetition of the verb in circular movements with both hands alternating. The head bobs with each movement, and eyes may be somewhat closed to express a lack of interest or attention to the individuals, in order to express the individuals as unspecified. Cheeks may be puffed and releasing air to show increased amount of individuals. For example, advertisements for events posted all over the place randomly on a bulletin board at school.
In terms of my understanding of distributional aspect, I found that when trying to understand each concept separately I had a more difficult time. It was not until I began practicing with some examples that I was able to understand which aspect was which, and how to identify them.
To express distribution to all in a group, the hand sweeps horizontally in an arc, with the eyes and head following along with the sweeping movement. For example, handing out papers to all in a group. To express distribution to/from each in a group, the action is made horizontally again, but in a repeated and separate movements of the verb in an arc shape. Once again, the eye gaze and head movement follows the hand movement. For example, each person in a group telling one interesting fact about themselves. Expressing distribution to/from specified individuals implies usually not all individuals, either some or many. The movement uses repetition of the verb alternating with both hands moving either to or from many different points in space. The eye gaze and head movement follows along with the hand movements, accompanied by opening and closing the mouth repeatedly with the movement. For example, taking questions during a presentation. Distribution that expresses something to/from unspecified individuals implies distribution to some or many, but not all individuals. The movement is made through repetition of the verb in circular movements with both hands alternating. The head bobs with each movement, and eyes may be somewhat closed to express a lack of interest or attention to the individuals, in order to express the individuals as unspecified. Cheeks may be puffed and releasing air to show increased amount of individuals. For example, advertisements for events posted all over the place randomly on a bulletin board at school.
In terms of my understanding of distributional aspect, I found that when trying to understand each concept separately I had a more difficult time. It was not until I began practicing with some examples that I was able to understand which aspect was which, and how to identify them.