Sign Language Grammar and Sentence Structure
What this domain tests
Sentence-level grammar: word order, topic-comment, question formation, negation, time marking, pronouns and spatial reference, classifiers, and aspect. The exam may ask you to gloss a sentence or correct an English-influenced production.
Core rules and concepts
- ISL is not English in signs. It commonly uses topic-comment order; time can be set early; articles and copulas are often absent.
- Questions are marked by non-manual features: yes/no questions often use raised brows and a forward head; wh-questions often use lowered brows. Word order alone is not enough.
- Negation uses a headshake and/or a negative sign; the headshake must align with the negated phrase.
- Pronouns are points to present or non-present referents; establish a location once, then point back.
- Aspect (ongoing, repeated, completed) is shown by movement, repetition, and pacing, not only by a separate sign.
Worked example
Gloss 'Where do you live?' Reasoning: start with the wh-sign or the subject. A common ISL pattern is YOU LIVE WHERE? with furrowed brows, slight head tilt, and a hold on WHERE. Do not produce English DO YOU LIVE WHERE with a 'do' sign. The non-manual marker carries the question; the sign order carries the content. If you omit the brow lowering, the viewer may read it as a statement.
Traps that cost marks
- Signing in English word order with English function words.
- Forgetting non-manual question markers.
- Using one sign for every English word.
- Failing to set up spatial referents.
- Negating with only a NOT sign and no headshake.