On Sign Language and the Mora : Is the Mora Necessary in Sign Language?

概要

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"There are a number of ways to show sign language in phonology. Two of these are the MP model (the Movement Position Model) and the MH model (the Move-hold Model), which are compared in this paper in order to determine which model is more appropriate. By way of example, the lengthening of the initial hold can be given when the words in sign language are emphasized. It must be considered whether phonology or phonetics is more suitable to explain sign language. It can be found difficult to use the MP model because this model consists of syllables which involve moras that are units of weight which connect with the onset. A mora is generally defined as the unit of time which is equivalent to the ordinary or normal short sound or syllable. If it is explained by phonetics, the initial long hold can be considered as an allophone in the MP model, which is not problematic. The MH model, alternatively, is desirable because it does not have any moras, but sign language cannot be compared with spoken language using the MH model in which no mora is used. Even if such an example is considered an allophone and does not have any relation to phonology, it is still extremely difficult to compare sign language with spoken language."