A Grammar of Turkish Sign Language (TİD)

In TİD, there are several ways of modifying a sign to intensify its meaning. The modification can occur by changing the internal structure of the sign such as changing the movement pattern, increasing the tension of the face and hand, and adding non-manuals such as eyebrow lowering, tilting the head back or puffed cheeks.

Changing the movement pattern into a slower movement generally denotes intensification. For instance, the sign rich has a downward movement [Phonology - 1.3.] of V-Handshape [Phonology - 1.1.1.] on the cheek [Phonology - 1.2.] but when this movement is produced at a slower rate, the sign very_rich is derived.  

 

 

 

rich

 

 

 

very_rich

                                                                        (r.f. from Dikyuva et. al. 2015: 200)

 

Changing muscle tension on the face and the hand also denotes intensification. For example, the sign fast is produced with 7-Handshape [Phonology - 1.1.1.] and it has a repetitive movement but when the movement of the hands and non-manuals are exaggerated, the sign very_fast is derived.

 

 

 

fast

 

 

 

 

 

very_fast

 

                                                               (r.f. Dikyuva et. al. 2015: 200)

 

Lastly, adding some non-manuals to the signs can denote intensification as well. For example, the sign cold is produced with both hands with Fist-Handshape and it has an inward movement from the wrist. However, when the movement becomes slower and puffing is added to the sign, it means very_cold.

 

 

 

 

cold

 

 

 

 

very_cold

                                                             (r.f. Dikyuva et. al. 2015: 201)