Are plain verbs really plain?: Co-localization as the agreement marker in sign languages

Abstract

Abstract In contrast to previous discussions on agreement, this paper argues that matching of location is the single morphological exponent of verb agreement in sign languages, using data from Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Therefore, we reject the analysis of path and/or directionality as agreement markers. We argue that “plain” verbs are actually capable of showing agreement, as long as there is no phonological restriction, if we consider the sharing of location features (co-localization) as the sole agreement mechanism. Agreement is not restricted to a subset of verbs and is actually more pervasive and productive than has been argued, thus challenging one argument against calling it agreement.