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polysemous:


Define polysemous:  Polysemous means "Has more than one meaning."
 

ASL signs are often polysemous.

ASL has just as much right to multiple-meaning signs as English does to multiple-meaning words.

Just because new signers don't know the full range (and limitations) of the meanings of ASL signs (and therefore often misuse signs) doesn't mean we should promote the myth of "one meaning per sign" nor attempt to limit ASL to "one meaning per sign."

That is simply ridiculous.

Do not embrace the myth of one-meaning per sign.
Do not start signing "explanations" when you can simply sign the right polysemous sign for the concept. (Native signers will typically not sign four or five signs when one sign will suffice -- even if that sign has more than one meaning.)

When you yourself are not totally clear on the intricacies of both ASL and English syntax do not tell people to "stop thinking in English syntax and start thinking in ASL syntax."

If you haven't done so yet, read my article on "subject verb object" at:
https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/subject-verb-object-asl-sentence-structure.htm

The short version of the above article:
Main English syntax = SVO
Main ASL syntax = SVO

If you don't believe it -- read the article.

Using a rhetorical question doesn't magically mean you are not using English syntax.

English uses rhetorical questions too. English occasionally moves WH-type questions to the end.

English speakers sometimes even use depiction (by adding using animated hand movements) when they talk or when they pick up an object and move it around when they discuss something.


Instead of giving meaningless advice to people about "not signing in English syntax" -- ask yourself:
When is it highly useful to use a rhetorical question in "any" language?
(The answer is complex and too long for a brief post here. Go look up and study "rhetorical questions.")

Next ask yourself:
Does a person look silly when repeatedly speaking / signing in rhetorical questions to the exclusion of the main syntax in a target language?

Answer: Yes.
(Yes, you look silly if you use rhetorical questions when there is no need for rhetoric.)

Right:  I/ME GO STORE.
Silly:  I/ME GO WHERE? STORE.

If you do not have a "reason" to sign rhetorically -- don't do it.

If you do (sign rhetorically without an actual reason) you will annoy those of us who actually use ASL (in real life) to tell our partners that we are going to the store.

&nb