3.3.2.4. Special non-manual markers
A different use of space distinguishes finite and non-finite object clauses. If the object clause is finite, it is typically articulated with a body lean, as indicated in the examples below (the transition from object clause to main clause is signalled by body shift).
bl-right
pietro leave gianni happy
‘Gianni is happy that Pietro left.’
Body lean can (but does not need to) occur on a non-finite clause, as confirmed by the following sentence.
contract put_signature gianni forget
‘Gianni forgot to sign the contract.’
Finally, whether the sign pe is used or not, eyebrows can be raised on the sentence initial object clause. When this happens, the sentence initial object clause plausibly sits in a topic position (PRAGMATICS 4.2).
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant Agreement No 693349.