Anthropomorphism

Constructed action and signed anthropomorphism

Targets of anthropomorphism

Different levels of anthropomorphism

Descriptive level

Pre-linguistic level

Linguistic level

Size matters: the golden rule of Mrs. Pepperpot

Deaf people as privileged humans

Blending of human and non-human features

Signers "become" the character they are talking about

Appeals to audiences because we can empathize with them

Easier for signers to give human characteristics of non-human things than for someone using their voice

use of body vs use of voice

Animals

Physically similar to humans

Easy to use hand shapes to represent different parts of the animals like ears, wings, tails and legs

Plants

Less human-like but signer can still take on qualities to become plant-like

Inanimate objects, constructed action and human emotions

Face and body important for showing emotions

Little humanity imparted

Anthropomorphism is minimal

Shows what humans see animals doing

Expression of animals basic

Non-human characters show personality

Look deeper into possible thoughts or feelings

Character given the same level of intelligence as humans

Animals talk to other animals and humans

Humans and non-humans become equal in size

Creates a way to communicate

Deaf people decide who can see the language in the story and give the characters of their choosing the ability to understand

Skillful signers will blend human and non-human elements in the correct proportion