Sign languages contain discrete words

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that sign languages contain discrete words?

Yes. Sign languages, much like spoken languages, possess discrete phonological units such as distinct handshapes and movements that form the basis of lexical items.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 5 Aug 2026

The analysis

The retrieved literature consistently supports the premise that sign languages possess discrete phonological structures and lexical representations. Papers [0], [5], [8], and [9] all detail aspects of sign language phonology, lexical organization, and the discreteness of sign forms. No papers refute the claim.

Evidence for · 4

Beginning L2 production errors in ASL lexical phonology

2004

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Rosen, R. S. (2004). Beginning L2 production errors in ASL lexical phonology. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1075/sll.7.1.04beg

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More for · 3

Iconicity as an organizing principle of the lexicon.

2025

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EE, C., ZS, S., E, P., A, C., K, E., & N, C. (2025). Iconicity as an organizing principle of the lexicon.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2401041122

The Neural Network for Sign Language Comprehension.

2025

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B, T. & K, E. (2025). The Neural Network for Sign Language Comprehension.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/lnc3.70018

Deaf homesigners can create the foundations of phonetics and phonology without an adult linguistic model.

2025

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S, K., D, B., & S, G. (2025). Deaf homesigners can create the foundations of phonetics and phonology without an adult linguistic model.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2025.106233

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Receipt History

first checked05 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8605 Aug 2026

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