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Compound Signs In ASL

Compound signs are signs that combine the elements of two signs to form one sign which has a meaning different than the meaning of the two signs separately.

English has compound words: CUP + BOARD = CUPBOARD.  The meaning does not mean that cups are on a board, or the board is for cups only, though initially this may have been true.  BLACK +  BOARD = BLACKBOARD.  Blackboards certainly aren't  limited to the color black, though initially this may have been true.  Another example of compounds in English is JUMPSUIT.  Originally used for by parachuters to jump with, but now it can mean any apparel of similar design, regardless of its purpose.

ASL also contains several compound signs.  Many compound signs have formed over a period of time ('assimilated') so that they appear as one sign.  Very few people know that the sign REMEMBER is an assimilated compound of the signs KNOW + CONTINUE.  Similarly, the sign HOME is a compound of EAT + BED.  Even newer compound signs will show some handshape or movement changes.  The sign for WAITRESS is a compound of the signs GIRL + SERVE.   The double motion in GIRL is reduced so that it takes less time to produce than it would if it were a separate sign.

Compound Signs in ASL - click on this link

Other signs and meanings of ASL compound signs:

Compound Signs                             Meanings

EAT + MORNING                               Breakfast
EAT + NOON                                    Lunch
EAT + EVENING                                Dinner
BED+ SOFT                                       Pillow
THINK + SAME-AS                            Just as if, For example, It's like...
FACE + STRONG                               Strongly resemble
FACE + SAME-AS                               Look like, resemble
THINK + EASY                                   It's a snap, not difficult
THINK + TOUCH                                Dwell on, obsessive
MONEY + BEHIND                              Money in reserve
TRUE + WORK                                  Really mean it, serious about it, not joking
TALK + NAME                                   Mention, talk about
FOOD + BUY                                     Grocery shopping
GOOD + ENOUGH                              Adequate
WRONG + HAPPEN                            Accidentally, unexpectedly, coincidentally
SLEEP + CLOTHING                           Pajamas, nightgown
SLEEP + SUNRISE                               Oversleep, sleep in
MOTHER + FATHER                           Parents
BROTHER + SISTER                            Siblings
JESUS + BOOK                                  Bible
RED + SLICE                                     Tomato
 

    Compound Signs -  Homework Sentences #3 - click on this link.
Type an English translation of the sentences and turn in on due date.  Check my web schedule.