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Introducing Sign Language Literature, Folklore, and creativity Chapter 16 …
Introducing Sign Language Literature, Folklore, and creativity Chapter 16
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Temporal Symmetry
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Form
In temporal symmetry, the form of the beginning & end of the poem or story can echo each other, creating a 'sanwich' effect
At the start of Richard Carters Operation, a classifier verb shows a puzzled child approaching the poet. At the end, the verb is repeated with the opposite movement as the child leaves, satisfied with what she has learned
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Spatial Symmetry
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Planes of Symmetry
The vertical plane creates left-right symmetry. Our two hands are attached to our body symmetrically across this plane so this is the natural plane for sign language symmetry
The horizontal plane creates up-down symmetry such as we might see in a reflection in waters. hands are arranged in this sort of symmetry, for example, the ASL signs HARD & WORK
The vertical frontal plane creates front-back symmetry such as we see reflected in a mirror in front of us
Continuation of Symmetry
For a sign to show perfect reflectional symmetry , it must be two-handed & the handshape should be the same on both hands , the locations should be in perfect opposition across a plane of symmetry, the orientation of the palms & fingers should be the same in both hands or in complete mirror image & so must any movements
Reflective symmetry in a sign language is rarely perfect & we can see it as running along a continuum
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Spatial symmetry can be achieved sequentially when one-handed or two-handed signs are placed sequentially opposing areas
Asymmetry
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Perfect Symmetry
Sign language poetry that creates perfect symmetry may feel too perfect & too predictable, but asymmetry allows variety
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Paul Scott's Five Senses uses many types of symmetry & towards the end there is a sequence of perfectly symmetrical two-handed signs before the last very significant sign, which is strikingly asymmetrical