Signaltime

Signaltime is a term used in sign linguistics to describe how temporal meaning is encoded, expressed, and interpreted in sign languages. It encompasses lexical signs for temporal concepts (now, soon, yesterday, tomorrow), grammatical systems that mark temporal relations, and nonmanual signals, such as facial expressions and head movements, that modify timing, aspect, and sequence in discourse.

Key features of signaltime include the use of space and gesture to organize events along a temporal axis, the integration of deictic pointing to anchor times to references in discourse, and the combination of sequential signs with marked aspects to indicate whether an event is ongoing, completed, or repeated. Time can be signaled through base signs, aspect markers, and nonmanual cues, with the relative timing of signs affecting perceived order and duration.

Cross-linguistically, signaltime patterns vary. Some sign languages exhibit clear tense marking; others rely more on aspect and context. Many use spatial mapping of time, moving through locations in signing space to represent past, present, and future or to delineate foreground versus background events.

Sociolinguistic and practical implications include informing education, interpretation, and accessibility. Sign interpreters translate temporal references into corresponding signs and nonmanual signals, while researchers collect corpora to analyze timing patterns, tempo, and turn-taking. Signaltime also informs the design of sign language pedagogy and digital communication tools.