Metathesis is defined as which of the following?

• A. Adding a movement between signs
• B. Changing places (Reverse direction)
• C. Deleting hold
• D. Shaking your head

Answer: (B)

Metathesis is the swapping of elements within a sign, effectively changing their order or reversing the direction of movement. In ASL phonology, signs are built from movement, location, and handshape, and metathesis occurs when the order of these elements is altered, producing a sign with a different internal sequence. That’s why changing places (reverse direction) best captures the idea—it describes reordering the components rather than adding a motion, deleting a hold, or utilizing a nonmanual cue like shaking the head. Adding a movement between signs would introduce a new motion rather than reordering existing elements; deleting a hold refers to removing a held position, which is a different process; shaking your head is a nonmanual cue, not a feature of the sign’s internal structure.