【趣谈英语】手语的语法-The Grammar Of Sign Language

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

grammar: the system or inner¹ workings of a language

gesture: a body movement that expresses something

nod: to shake one’s head up and down

differ: to be different

 

The Grammar Of Sign Language

The word “grammar” means² the inner workings or system of a language. Did you know that sign language has its own grammar system? Just as there are subjects, objects, tenses and parts of speech in written and spoken language, there are unique ways to identify these aspects of communication in sign language. Facial³ gestures such as head nodding and raised or lowered⁴ eyebrows⁵ are part of the grammar. Sign languages develop within deaf communities, and thus the grammar and signs used differ from one deaf community to another. American Sign Language (ASL) differs from British Sign Language (BSL) just as American English differs from British English.

1 inner   

adj.内部的，里面的；内在的，内心的；精神的

参考例句：

• The label is on the inner side of the box.标签贴在盒子内侧。
• Other people seek the mountains for renewal of their inner lives.另一些人到深山中去，寻求新的精神生活。

2 means   

n.方法，手段，折中点，物质财富

参考例句：

• That man used artful means to find out secrets.那人使用狡猾的手段获取机密。
• We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

3 facial   

adj.面部的，脸上的

参考例句：

• I've made an appointment for a facial tomorrow.我约好明天去做美容。
• The chimpanzee uses facial expressions for communication.黑猩猩用面部表情进行交流。

4 lowered   

v.（使）降低， （使）跌落( lower的过去式和过去分词 )；削弱；削减；减少

参考例句：

• Every evening at sunset the flag was lowered. 每天傍晚日落时都要降旗。
• She lowered her eyelids, then sprang them open. 她低垂着眼睑，然后突然睁开。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 eyebrows   

眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Eyebrows stop sweat from coming down into the eyes. 眉毛挡住汗水使其不能流进眼睛。
• His eyebrows project noticeably. 他的眉毛特别突出。