Syntax and semantics of Role Shift in Japanese Sign Language

Abstract

This article argues that Role Shift in Japanese Sign Language involves a mechanism that is different in two respects from indexical shift observed in some spoken languages. First, its domain is not a clausal domain (CP or IP), but the thematic (propositional) domain, in which thematic roles are assigned. Second, what is shifted by this mechanism is not indexicals, but the objective Point-of-View from which the reported event is perceived. These characteristics apply to both Action Role Shift and Quotational Role Shift. It is claimed that Quotational Role Shift is a subcase of Action Role Shift where the thematic domain contains a predicate of propositional attitude. The attitude predicate takes a CP complement which in turn contains another operator. This second operator is the same as that found in some spoken languages, and it shifts the context for the interpretation of indexicals. The proposed analysis thus employs two types of operators, one taking the thematic domain as its scope and the other operating on the clausal domain. The analysis can be extended to account for crosslinguistic variation reported on the shifted interpretation of locative/temporal expressions in sign languages.