ASL 1101-002 (9:00) Blog #4: Directional Verbs

Taken from: ASL University: http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/directionality.htm

Directionality (Directional Verbs):


(Also called: "verb agreement")
Certain signs can show "who did what to whom" through their movement. The movement of the sign indicates the subject and the object of the verb. For example, if I sign "money" and then I sign "give" starting near my body and moving the sign "give" in your direction, then I'm signing "I will give you some money," or "I gave you money." Suppose I start the sign by holding the sign away from my body (in whatever direction you are) and then move the sign "give" toward me and end near my body...that would mean, "You give me some money."
If I look at you and move the sign "give" out to my right or left, I am signing "Give it to him."
This "directionality" can be applied to many but not all signs. How do you know which ones? You associate with skilled users of the language and pick up on it, or you watch many videos of skilled signers, or you attend many classes, pay attention, and ask questions about signs.

You can directionalize many different verbs. Hand-to is the best example, but "MEET" is also useful. [To sign MEET, you hold both index fingers out in front of you about a foot apart, pointed up, palms facing each other. Then you bring them together--it looks like two people meeting. Note: The index fingers do not touch, just the lower parts of the hands.] For example ME-MEET-YOU can be done in one motion. I don't need to sign "I" "MEET" "YOU" as three separate words. But rather I hold my right Index finger near me, palm facing you, and my left index finger near you, palm facing me. Then I bring my right to my left. One motion is all it took.
A student asks: How do we know which verbs to use?
Response: That takes interactive practice and study.

Some verbs just aren't directional in nature. For example: "WANT." You sign "WANT" and separately indicate who wants what. For example, to sign "SHE WANT CANDY" you'd point at the little girl, sign "WANT" then sign "CANDY."



I have included a clip on directional verbs. Please watch and notice how many additional verbs are shown that can be used as directional besides the ones we learned in class this week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyEhaTykI6k&feature=related


Watch this clip and see what directional verbs are used. Help each other understand this story by first explaining which verbs were used and where. Then explain your favorite part of the story. Finally, ask a question about something in the story tha that you do not understand. In your second post, I want you to help each other understand what the story is about. Be patient you will need to watch this several times. Be sure to watch this again before your second posting as well.

Deaf Ninja
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L91KVUXRBq8&feature=channel