Abstract We analyze argument structure of whole-entity and handling classifier predicates in four sign languages (Russian Sign Language, Sign Language of the Netherlands, German Sign Language, and Kata Kolok) using parallel datasets (retellings of the Canary Row cartoons). We find that all four languages display a systematic, or canonical, mapping between classifier type and argument structure, as previously established for several sign languages: whole-entity classifier predicates are mostly used intransitively, while handling classifier predicates are used transitively. However, our data sets also reveal several non-canonical mappings which we address in turn. First, it appears that whole-entity classifier predicates can be used unergatively, rather than unaccusatively, contrary to expectations. Second, our data contain some transitive uses of whole-entity classifier predicates. Finally, we find that handling classifier predicates can express various complex event structures. We discuss what these findings imply for existing theories of classifier predicates in sign languages.

中文翻译：

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分类器谓词的参数结构：四种手语的规范和非规范映射

摘要我们使用并行数据集（Canary Row卡通的复述）分析了四种手语（俄罗斯手语，荷兰手语，德语手语和Kata Kolok）的整体实体和处理分类器谓词的论证结构。我们发现，所有四种语言都显示了分类器类型和参数结构之间的系统映射或规范映射，如先前为几种手语所建立的那样：全实体分类器谓词大部分用于不及物动词，而处理分类器谓词则用于传递性。但是，我们的数据集还揭示了我们依次解决的几个非规范映射。首先，似乎与预期相反，可以整体使用分类器谓词，而不是非根据地使用谓词。第二，我们的数据包含整体实体分类谓词的某些可传递用法。最后，我们发现处理分类器谓词可以表达各种复杂的事件结构。我们讨论了这些发现对现有手语分类器谓词理论的暗示。