Phonological and Morphological Elements of the Cardinal and Ordinal Numerical System of Kenyan Sign Language (KSL)

Abstract

This paper is an attempt at a comprehensive discussion of the cardinal and ordinal numerical system of Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). Numerals are a feature of all languages. The numerical system of KSL has not been examined structurally. This paper therefore examines the different strategies used to generate both cardinal and ordinal numbers in KSL. All languages have a system or a way that they use that enables users to associate things or objects with quantity. This enables them assign importance to certain things in real life by assigning them numerical value. In KSL certain signs are used to represent numbers, thus culminatively forming the KSL numerical system that is used to show quantity or define a set of values. The paper examines the (articulatory properties) or phonological elements of both cardinal and ordinal numbers in KSL. The paper also discusses KSL morphological elements in its numerical system. Numerals in KSL especially the cardinal numbers can be articulated using one hand that represents distinct morphemes as exemplified by signs for numbers (1-5) or through the use of two hands – both active and passive articulators giving us compound signs e.g. signs for numbers 6-10. Ordinal numbers on the other hand are articulated only on one hand.