Chapter 14. Sensory perception metaphors in sign languages
-
Ulrike Zeshan
Abstract
In this chapter, we explore perceptual metaphors across a convenience sample of data from 24 sign languages. To do this, the chapter uses the framework of Sign Language Typology, the systematic comparative study of grammatical/semantic domains across sign languages (Zeshan & Palfreyman, 2017). Sign languages differ from spoken languages due to iconic mapping, that is, the tendency for signs of perception to be articulated at or near the sense organs. This is the basis for two types of signs: those with double-stage metaphors have literal and metaphorical lexical meanings, while those with single-stage metaphors lack literal lexical meanings of perception and instead rely on sublexical iconicity. We cover cross-linguistic patterns of metaphorical extensions of meaning in these signs, and the grammaticalisation of a class of prefixes that are associated with sensory perception.
Abstract
In this chapter, we explore perceptual metaphors across a convenience sample of data from 24 sign languages. To do this, the chapter uses the framework of Sign Language Typology, the systematic comparative study of grammatical/semantic domains across sign languages (Zeshan & Palfreyman, 2017). Sign languages differ from spoken languages due to iconic mapping, that is, the tendency for signs of perception to be articulated at or near the sense organs. This is the basis for two types of signs: those with double-stage metaphors have literal and metaphorical lexical meanings, while those with single-stage metaphors lack literal lexical meanings of perception and instead rely on sublexical iconicity. We cover cross-linguistic patterns of metaphorical extensions of meaning in these signs, and the grammaticalisation of a class of prefixes that are associated with sensory perception.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Chapter 1. Perception metaphors 1
- Chapter 2. Words of sense 17
- Chapter 3. Perception metaphors in cognitive linguistics 43
- Chapter 4. Perception metaphor in English 65
- Chapter 5. Metaphors and perception in the lexicon 85
- Chapter 6. Synaesthetic metaphors are neither synaesthetic nor metaphorical 105
- Chapter 7. Sensory experiences, meaning and metaphor 127
- Chapter 8. Taste metaphors in Hieroglyphic Egyptian 145
- Chapter 9. Why do we understand music as moving? 165
- Chapter 10. Approaching perceptual qualities 185
- Chapter 11. Grounding mental metaphors in touch 209
- Chapter 12. Polysemy of the Estonian perception verb nägema ‘to see’ 231
- Chapter 13. Evidential vindication in next turn 253
- Chapter 14. Sensory perception metaphors in sign languages 275
- Chapter 15. Metaphors of perception in Japanese Sign Language 303
- Chapter 16. Perception and metaphor 327
- Chapter 17. Perception verbs in context 347
- List of metaphors 369
- Index 373
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Chapter 1. Perception metaphors 1
- Chapter 2. Words of sense 17
- Chapter 3. Perception metaphors in cognitive linguistics 43
- Chapter 4. Perception metaphor in English 65
- Chapter 5. Metaphors and perception in the lexicon 85
- Chapter 6. Synaesthetic metaphors are neither synaesthetic nor metaphorical 105
- Chapter 7. Sensory experiences, meaning and metaphor 127
- Chapter 8. Taste metaphors in Hieroglyphic Egyptian 145
- Chapter 9. Why do we understand music as moving? 165
- Chapter 10. Approaching perceptual qualities 185
- Chapter 11. Grounding mental metaphors in touch 209
- Chapter 12. Polysemy of the Estonian perception verb nägema ‘to see’ 231
- Chapter 13. Evidential vindication in next turn 253
- Chapter 14. Sensory perception metaphors in sign languages 275
- Chapter 15. Metaphors of perception in Japanese Sign Language 303
- Chapter 16. Perception and metaphor 327
- Chapter 17. Perception verbs in context 347
- List of metaphors 369
- Index 373
