1.2.3. Buoys
Buoys are elements that are employed for keeping track of the referents in discourse as reminders of the ongoing topic, or for backtracking information [Pragmatics - 2.2.3.]. In such cases, the non-dominant hand is used and is kept in a stationary configuration.
When a number of different individuals is discussed, list buoys can be used. In such cases, the index finger of the dominant hand is used in TİD for referring to particular individuals articulated on the non-dominant hand.
Another type of buoy that is used is the verb say. This is a buoy that is sometimes used in reported speech and it marks the continuation of the reported discourse. The word say is retained on the non-dominant hand for some part of the utterance(s) [Syntax – 3.3.3.3.]. This buoy has the discourse function as a reminder. Its function is to remind the speech participant that a particular segment of what is being signed is, in fact, a reported utterance.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant Agreement No 693349.