Distributional Aspect
In ASL, verbs can also take multiple locations as their objects or subjects. Four inflections are mentioned: "each", "all", "spec", and "unspec". The chapter then discusses distributional aspect as it is sometimes co-articulated with temporal aspect for even more complexly inflected verbs.
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Point 1: COllectivity
Verbs in ASL can be modulated as being performed to "each" object in a group, or from "each" subject by using short, bouncing movement between areas. An example of this is seen in the sentences "the teacher gives a test paper to each student", and "the students each give their test to the teacher" If this inflection is chosen, the verb is seen as a collection of repeated events.
Another possible collective distribution of a verb is to "all" objects. This inflection uses a smooth arcing motion and eye gaze follows the arc. An example of this is seen in the sentence: the teacher gives out the test (to all the students)" If this inflection is chosen, the verb is seen as a single event. The two may be linked to the distinctions in ASL plurality between "bouncing" and "arc", and other researchers have classified this inflection with other plural inflections.
Another possible collective distribution of a verb is to "all" objects. This inflection uses a smooth arcing motion and eye gaze follows the arc. An example of this is seen in the sentence: the teacher gives out the test (to all the students)" If this inflection is chosen, the verb is seen as a single event. The two may be linked to the distinctions in ASL plurality between "bouncing" and "arc", and other researchers have classified this inflection with other plural inflections.
Point 2: Specificity
Verbs in ASL can be modulated as being from or to objects that are "specified" or "unspecified". If this is the case, the verb is articulated with both hands alternating. If the objects or subjects are "specified" ("spec"), the movement is more bouncing, and the eye gaze agrees with the locations. If the unspecified ("unspec") inflection is used, it's more circular, and the eye gaze is higher, not matching any of the subjects.
Point 3: Co-articulated with Temporal Aspect
Both temporal aspect and distributional aspect can co-occur, creating even more complexly inflected verbs with lots of information.
An example of this is: "after giving each student their test, the teacher was bombarded with questions over and over again"
An example of this is: "after giving each student their test, the teacher was bombarded with questions over and over again"