Uploaded April 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Piotr Tomaszewski and Wiktor Eźlakowski. 2021. "Negative Affixation in Polish Sign Language." SIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES 21 (3): 290-332.
This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the authors.
Article Abstract
The article looks into the question of negative affixation in Polish Sign Language (PJM). Until today only one negative prefix and one negative suffix were recognized in PJM. Our research investigates further these two affixes looking into their etymologies, constraints, and new examples of their use. The negative prefix (NEG1–) results from PJM’s contact with spoken Polish, while the negative suffix (–NEG2) is an element native to PJM. Aside from a more in-depth analysis of the previously known affixes, our research uncovers new suffixes (–NEG3 and –NEG4), an interfix (–NEG1–), and a postfix (–NEG5). The interfix has the same origin as the negative prefix. The suffix –NEG3 comes from a sign meaning “lack of something.” The suffix –NEG4 originates from a natural gesture. The postfix is a result of a combination of a natural gesture and a sign.
Author Bios
Piotr Tomaszewski (ORCiD: 0000-0002-4083-067X; tomasz@psych.uw.edu.pl) is an assistant professor and scientist at the University of Warsaw (UW), Department of Psychology. His interests in research include sign linguistics and psycholinguistics. Wiktor Eźlakowski (ORCiD: 0000-0002-5107-8890; wiktor.ezlakowski@student.uj.edu.pl or w.ezlakowski@student.uw.edu.pl) is a PhD student at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków and the University of Warsaw where he studies sign linguistics, concentrating on the evolution of Polish Sign Language.
Piotr Tomaszewski and Wiktor Eźlakowski. 2021. "Negative Affixation in Polish Sign Language." SIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES 21 (3): 290-332.
This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the authors.
Article Abstract
The article looks into the question of negative affixation in Polish Sign Language (PJM). Until today only one negative prefix and one negative suffix were recognized in PJM. Our research investigates further these two affixes looking into their etymologies, constraints, and new examples of their use. The negative prefix (NEG1–) results from PJM’s contact with spoken Polish, while the negative suffix (–NEG2) is an element native to PJM. Aside from a more in-depth analysis of the previously known affixes, our research uncovers new suffixes (–NEG3 and –NEG4), an interfix (–NEG1–), and a postfix (–NEG5). The interfix has the same origin as the negative prefix. The suffix –NEG3 comes from a sign meaning “lack of something.” The suffix –NEG4 originates from a natural gesture. The postfix is a result of a combination of a natural gesture and a sign.
Author Bios
Piotr Tomaszewski (ORCiD: 0000-0002-4083-067X; tomasz@psych.uw.edu.pl) is an assistant professor and scientist at the University of Warsaw (UW), Department of Psychology. His interests in research include sign linguistics and psycholinguistics. Wiktor Eźlakowski (ORCiD: 0000-0002-5107-8890; wiktor.ezlakowski@student.uj.edu.pl or w.ezlakowski@student.uw.edu.pl) is a PhD student at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków and the University of Warsaw where he studies sign linguistics, concentrating on the evolution of Polish Sign Language.
