How do we make sentences in ASL?
There are several variations of word order in ASL depending on what is needed in the particular sentence. You can use Subject-Verb or Subject-Verb-Object word order. You can also use Time-Subject-Verb or Time-Subject-Verb-Object word order to establish a time frame at the beginning of a sentence. For example: WEEK-PAST I WASH MY CAR.
However, you can also sign: MY CAR? WEEK-PAST I WASH. This is referred to as Topic-Comment format.
However, you can also sign: MY CAR? WEEK-PAST I WASH. This is referred to as Topic-Comment format.
Topic-Comment Format
The "topic" is what you are talking about. It can be the subject or the object of a sentence (depending on if you are using active voice (Subject-Verb-Object) or passive voice (Object-Subject-Verb):
Both the Subject-Verb-Object and Object-Subject-Verb word orders are acceptable in ASL.
- ANKIT EAT WAFFLE (Topic: ANKIT Comment: EAT WAFFLES)
- WAFFLE, ANKIT EAT (Topic: WAFFLES Comment: ANKIT EAT)
Both the Subject-Verb-Object and Object-Subject-Verb word orders are acceptable in ASL.
What do you want to emphasize?
Word order in ASL can vary depending on what elements of a sentence you want to emphasize. For example you can say:
- YOU MARRIED?
- MARRIED YOU?
- YOU MARRIED YOU?
Topicalization
Topicalization is when you use particular syntax and facial expressions (and head positions) to introduce the object of your sentence and turn it into your topic. It's not the same thing as Topic-Comment format. If I chose to sign BALL, BOY THROW instead of BOY THROW BALL that would be topicalization (and passive voice). I would also need to raise my eyebrows and tilt my head slightly forward when signing "BALL."
Why would you choose to use topicalization?
Why would you choose to use topicalization?
- If you don't know the subject of a sentence
- For speed/efficiency
- For clarification
Time-Topic-Comment
Time-Topic-Comment Format is just what it sounds like: putting the time before the rest of the sentence.
Example: YESTERDAY I EAT WAFFLE
If the sentence is topicalized, meaning WAFFLE (the object) becomes the topic, then the time-frame YESTERDAY becomes part of the comment and would come after that topic: WAFFLE? YESTERDAY I EAT. This is then just Topic-Comment format, with WAFFLE being the topic and YESTERDAY I EAT being the comment.
Example: YESTERDAY I EAT WAFFLE
If the sentence is topicalized, meaning WAFFLE (the object) becomes the topic, then the time-frame YESTERDAY becomes part of the comment and would come after that topic: WAFFLE? YESTERDAY I EAT. This is then just Topic-Comment format, with WAFFLE being the topic and YESTERDAY I EAT being the comment.