A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

The dual form signals that two entities are involved. In most of the cases the dual is expressed by using numerals [Lexicon 3.10], determiners [Lexicon 3.6] or pronouns [Lexicon 3.7]. But verbs sometimes mark dual by either (i) reduplication or (ii) adding the non-dominant hand in case of a one-handed sign.

In the example below, the agreement verb give_as_present is reduplicated to express the dual form. Since give_as_present is a two-handed sign in DGS, it moves from a location in front of the signer’s body towards the addressee and is reduplicated the same way by starting again in front of the signer’s body.

 

professor_3a study_3b study_3c person_3b person_3c book _3agive_as_present_3b3agive_as_present_3c

          ‘The professor gives a book to each of the students.’                                                            

(based on Happ & Vorköper, 2006: 203)

If the verb is a one-handed sign, the non-dominant hand can be added as illustrated below. Give is a one-handed agreement verb in DGS and normally articulated by the dominant hand. To make clear, that two objects are given, the non-dominant hand can be added and realizes the verb simultaneously.

            dominant hand:                      eva_3a marc_3b bottle_c bottle_d cl(/):‘_3agive_3b’

            non-dominant hand:                                                                 cl(/):‘_3agive_3b’

                                                           ‘Eva gives Marc two bottles at the same time.’

                                                                                   (based on Happ & Vorköper, 2006: 202)