Sign language encodes event structure through neuromotor dynamics: motion, muscle, and meaning.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study provides neuromotor evidence for the embodied kinematic encoding of grammatical event structure in sign language, using time-locked motion capture and surface electromyography (EMG) recordings from fluent Deaf ÖGS signers.

Methods

Drawing on the Event Visibility Hypothesis, we examine how Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) systematically distinguishes telic and atelic verbs through both visible kinematic parameters, as well as underlying muscle activation patterns.

Results

We show that telic signs (those denoting bounded, goal-directed events) have shorter duration, later deceleration, lower movement variability, and distinct spectral activation in forearm and upper-arm muscles, as compared to atelic verb signs. Telic signs showed greater EMG co-cont

SUBMITTER: Krebs J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546041 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature