Depicting Translocating Motion in Sign Languages

Visual manifestations of an object that moves from one place to another are common in sign languages. Here, we offer an overview of techniques for conveying motion of an entity based on an examination of storytelling and poetry in seven sign languages. The signer can use embodiment and/or classifiers to show translocating movement of an object, or they can adjust the dynamic properties of signs themselves, including the size of the signing space, rate of movement, trilled motion of manuals and nonmanuals, repetition, and adding a zigzag component to the movement path. Additionally, we found one technique in German Sign Language (DGS) that uses a manual sign to indicate great speed or movement covering a large distance.