Cyclic Movement Primitives Underlying Two-Handed Alternating Signs In Signed Languages

Authors

  • Oksana Tkachman University of British Columbia
  • Gracellia Purnomo University of British Columbia
  • Bryan Gick University of British Columbia

Keywords:

sign language, movement primitives, two-handed balanced signs, central pattern generators

Abstract

In speech, biomechanical constraints shape phonetics-phonology. For example, English /r/ variants are selected based on minimizing biomechanical effort [1] and a single motor action in the tongue may govern multiple speech events to improve movement efficiency [2]. We propose that signed languages are similarly constrained by biomechanics. Specifically, the present paper considers the hypothesis that otherwise unexplained universal aspects of sign languages can be understood as resulting from a preference for repeated alternating arm movements triggered by vestigial locomotor CPGs developed in human ancestors for quadrupedal locomotion. 

Author Biography

Oksana Tkachman, University of British Columbia

Linguistics, PhD candidate

Additional Files

Published

2019-02-21

How to Cite

1.
Tkachman O, Purnomo G, Gick B. Cyclic Movement Primitives Underlying Two-Handed Alternating Signs In Signed Languages. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2019 Feb. 21 [cited 2024 Dec. 3];46(4):24-7. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/3242

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 4 (2018)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > >>