Subordination

Abstract

By subordination, we mean a syntactic mechanism by which clauses are combined. As opposed to coordination / coordination [Syntax – Section 3.1], where clauses share an equal status in the sentence, a core property of subordination is the asymmetric status of the two (or more) clauses being in a hierarchical relation. The main clause, also called the independent clause, is syntactically and semantically autonomous, while the subordinate clause, also called dependent, is syntactically and semantically dependent on the main clause. In this section, we will use the term “main clause” to refer to the independent clause and the term “subordinate clause” to refer to the dependent clause. In this section, the grammar writer will be guided into the obersevation of a number of properties that can be associated with subordination, and is advised to use them to introduce subordinate clauses and distinguish them from coordinate clauses. Languages however vary a lot with respect to the properties that can to define subordinate clauses. The grammar writer is, therefore, advised to verify their validity in the target sign language. The grammar writer is then referred to various sections in the Syntax part, namely the sections on [Syntax – Section 3.3], [Syntax – Section 3.4], [Syntax – Section 3.5], [Syntax – Section 3.6], and [Syntax – Section 3.7], where specific subordinate constructions are discussed, and for a detailed and specific description of the manual and non-manual markers of subordination that may be employed in each construction