Chapter 11
Phonology

Assignment 3

Children that grow up with Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) acquire handshapes in the following order:

I:
II:
III:
IV:
V:

Which features are acquired here in the various stages?

(I)

The handshapes involve the selection of either one or all fingers; both are characterized by the feature [open]; the second one is [spread]; these handshapes are maximally distinctive.

(II)

The new feature that is acquired is [– spread] (or [joined] in some models); this requires slightly more control.

(III)

The feature [closed] is acquired; the thumb can take on various positions.

(IV)

The feature [curved] is acquired; as for the position, there may be contact between thumb and fingers (i.e. [closed]).

(V)

The feature [bent] is acquired; also selection of the pinky is acquired.