The Classifier System in American Sign Language

Chapters in this book

1. Prelim pages i
2. Table of contents v
3. Preface vii
4. Introduction 1
5. I. On Categorization
6. Classifiers as a Reflection of Mind 13
7. Empirical Studies of Prototypes 53
8. Components and Categorization 63
9. Prototypes 77
10. II. Typological Variation of Classifier Systems
11. Noun Classes and Noun Classification in Typological Perspective 105
12. Noun Classification in Yagua 113
13. Graphemic classifiers in Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Mesopotamian Cuneiform 133
14. Gender and Folk Taxonomy 139
15. The Classifier System in American Sign Language 181
16. III. Semantic Features of Classifiers
17. The Semantics of Noun Classes in Proto Bantu 217
18. Numeral Classifiers in Austroasiatic 241
19. Jacaltec Noun Classifiers 263
20. IV. Semantic and Pragmatic Functions of Classifiers
21. The Semantic Role of Noun Classifiers 297
22. Some Discourse Functions of Classifiers in Malay 309
23. The Figure a Classifier Makes 327
24. The Anaphoric Use of Classifiers in Japanese 345
25. V. History and Acquisition of Classifier Systems
26. The Convergence of Noun Classification Systems 379
27. Taking Stock 399
28. Toward a History of Tai Classifier Systems 437
29. Niger-Congo noun class and agreement systems in language acquisition and historical change 453
30. Language Index 473
31. List of Contributors 479