The Acquisition of Motion Events in Verbs of Motion

Abstract

Comprehension of how motion events are articulated in signed languages represents an important hallmark in deaf children’s semantic development. In this chapter, the features of motion events (figure, ground, motion, path, and manner) are examined as they occur in verbs of motion (previously termed classifier constructions) of American Sign Language (ASL). Owing to their constructive nature, verbs of motion provide a discernible means of observing the individual components of a motion event. Data from deaf children aged 4–18 was collected through the Real Objects and Plurals Arrangement Task of the American Sign Language Assessment Instrument. Results indicate that certain motion event features such as motion and manner are acquired before others (figure, path, and ground). Additionally, analysis revealed that both age and length of exposure to ASL further contributed toward a comprehension of motion events. These results demonstrate how verbs of motion offer a means for educators to make conscientious efforts in fostering deaf children’s understanding of motion events in language.