4. Basic communication in Catalan sign language (2)

We will continue to learn basic signs in this unit. We will first study the expressions of time and cardinal numbers. In order to begin to incorporate vocabulary to help us with our first conversations, we will then work on the signs related to family.

4.1. The Expression of Time

The concept of time can be expressed through nominal syntagmas (e.g. Exams are in February), adverbs of time (yesterday, today, tomorrow, etc.) or with the corresponding verb tenses. In LSC time is not expressed through the verb and therefore there are no verb tenses. Time is expressed along an imaginary time line and with grammatical and lexical signs placed at the beginning of the phrase to specify time, as we will see later on. If there is no indication of time in relation to when an action took, is taking, or will take place, then we are talking about the present. The image below can help to clarify this imaginary time line:

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

Let’s look at these lexical signs of time by group:

Let’s practice the parts of the day. Click on the videos to see the signs:

Let’s practice the days of the week. Click on the videos to see the signs:

Let’s practice the months of the year. Click on the videos to see the signs:

Let’s practice the seasons. Click on the videos to see the signs:

Let’s practice the expressions of time. Click on the videos to see the signs:

Basic Guide for Communication in Catalan Sign Language

4. Basic communication in Catalan sign language (2)

4.1. The Expression of Time