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. 11];46(4):24-7. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/3242

Issue

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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