A Grammar of Italian Sign Language (LIS)

In the category of borrowing from spoken languages, further idiosyncratic cases of borrowing are worth a mention.

            First, the shape of a written letter can be reproduced by a body part to form a so-called word picture. An example of this phenomenon is the sign dvd, which is found in other sign languages as well and probably represents a borrowed form.

 

            

            dvd

 

In this sign, all the three letters of the English acronym are represented: the initial and final Ds are shown by the D handshape articulated by the dominant and non-dominant hands, while the letter V can be observed in the intersection created by crossing the forearms. 

            Second, a few borrowings are derived from mistranslations. This is the case when two phonologically similar or identical forms in the spoken language are translated by a single sign despite being semantically unrelated. For example, the acronym CONI (Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano, ‘Italian National Olympic Committee’) is phonologically identical to the Italian word coni (‘ice cream cones’). Although the two meanings are not related, CONI is often translated into LIS by using the same sign for ‘ice cream’.

 

                  

            CONI (recreated from Volterra et al., 2019: 179)

 

Another similar case of borrowing derived from phonological similarity of forms in the spoken language can be observed in a variant form of kindergarten. This symmetrical two-handed sign is articulated by flattening index and middle fingers (unspread V handshape) close to the temples.

 

            

            kindergarten (based on Bertone 2011: 87)

 

From a phonological perspective, kindergarten is very similar to the sign donkey, with the only difference that the latter sign selects unspread 5 handshape (rather than unspread V handshape). The similarity between kindergarten and donkey reflects the similarity between the Italian corresponding words: asilo (‘kindergarten’) and asino (‘donkey’). These two words are semantically unrelated, but they look very similar when lip read.

            Finally, we find some idiosyncratic forms of borrowing derived from speech therapy practice. These signs reproduce the strategy that therapists used to rely on to teach deaf children how to pronounce particular phonemes of spoken Italian. For example, an old variant of grandfather (nonno) is realised by pressing the ipsilateral nostril with the index finger. Such strategy was used to teach the pronunciation of the nasal [n] since it allows to perceive the resonance of this phoneme through touch.

 

 

 

            grandfather

 

Another borrowing derived from speech therapy is the sign aunt (zia), which is realised by brushing the radial side of the index finger under the chin. Such strategy was used to teach the pronunciation of the alveolar affricate [dz] since it allows to feel the vibration produced by this phoneme.

 

 

 

            aunt

 

The sign is usually accompanied by visible teeth, which is the mouth configuration that can be observed while pronouncing [dz].