Understand and use a varied range of verb forms, including time-frames and aspect
Understand and use a varied range of verb forms, including time-frames and aspect
Understanding Verb Forms
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Identify verb types: In British Sign Language (BSL), verbs can be directional, indicating, spatial, or plain. Learning to differentiate each type is fundamental.
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Master plain verbs: These are verbs that do not change their form. In BSL, they are signed in the same way, regardless of subject or object, such as ‘want’ and ‘love’.
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Grasp directional verbs: These alter directionality to indicate the subject and object of an action, like ‘give’ or ‘show’.
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Comprehend spatial verbs: These involve placement in space, displaying relationships between subjects and objects or communicating movement.
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Grasp indicating verbs: These are used to point at individuals within the signing space to show ‘I’, ‘you’, ‘he/she/it’, etc.
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Engage with aspect: This gives additional information about how an action is performed over time. It may indicate the action was continuous, repeated, or started and then stopped.
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Incorporate time-frames: These are utilised to specify when an action occurred, such as past, present, or future. Remember that BSL is largely context-driven, and the specific tense may be indicated at the start of a conversation.
Using Verb Forms
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Present tense signing: Most BSL verbs are in present tense by default. For example, ‘I LEARN SIGN’ would be translated as ‘I am learning Sign Language’.
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Past tense signing: Show an action in the past by signing the verb and then pointing behind your body.
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Future tense signing: Indicate future actions by signing the verb, then signing ‘FUTURE’ or a specific time.
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Consistent positioning: Ensure consistent use of spatial orientation when using directional and spatial verbs.
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Emphasise aspect: Make use of BSL non-manual features, such as facial expressions and body movement, to stress the mood, duration, intensity, or repetition of actions.
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Finger-spelling for exceptions: If a specific verb form is not available in BSL, use finger-spelling to indicate the verb.
Practising Verb Forms
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Structured practice: Implement structured practice routines to ensure a broad understanding and mastery of different verb forms.
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Visualising actions: Visualise different actions, scenarios and time frames to gain a comprehensive understanding of verb forms in context.
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Peer interaction: Practice signing with peers to help reinforce knowledge of verb forms, aspect and time-frames.
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Absorbing natural signing: Watch experienced signers or interpreters, either live or recorded. This enables a practical grasp of how verb forms are used in real-world situations.