REVIEW: ASL Topicalized Sentences
Topicalization -many sentences in ASL are "topicalized" - which means that a topic/idea/noun/concept is determined so that "comments can be made about it. Topicalization is used to emphasize or stress the concept in the topic phrase. Topicalized
sentences often contain the following components:
The topic phrase: One sign, or several signs used to identify the topic of the sentence. This phrase often includes the object
of the sentence. The non-manual grammatical signals (NMGS) for the topic phrase often include eye-brow-raise, and head tilt-forward.
Example: BOOK FOR CLASS/ TOMORROW ME BUY MUST ME
The comment phrase: One sign or several signs used to describe or comment upon the "topic". This sign/phrase often includes the verb
of the sentence. NMGS for the comment phrase vary depending on whether it is a positive statement (head nod), a negative
statement (head shake), a WH-Word question (eye-brows-lowered), a Yes/No Question (eye-brows-raised), etc.
Example: BOOK FOR CLASS/ TOMORROW ME BUY MUST ME
Time indicators: Signs used to determine the tense of the verb or in other words to identify when the event occurred. Time indicators
are placed at the beginning of either the entire sentence or the comment phrase. They inform us "when" we are talking about.
Example: BOOK FOR CLASS/ TOMORROW ME BUY MUST ME
Modals: Signs used to provide additional information about the verb. They modulate the meaning/mood/feeling of the verb. Modals can
occur in two locations in the sentence, (1) directly before the verb sign, or (2) more commonly as a tag to the sentence directly before the
final subject pronoun.
Example: BOOK FOR CLASS/ TOMORROW ME BUY MUST ME
Subject pronouns: These are the pronouns used to identify who is doing the action of the verb. There is no passive voice in ASL,
so there is almost always a subject. The subject pronoun is placed in two locations in the sentence. Both, either, or neither of the subject
pronouns are signed in a sentence depending on the context of the sentence itself. Most often the final subject pronoun is signed (also
called a copy-subject pronoun), very often the first subject pronoun is signed as well. Occasionally, when the subject is assumed from
context, neither of the pronouns are used.
Example: BOOK FOR CLASS/ TOMORROW ME BUY MUST ME