Which class of ASL verbs uses movement to indicate a change of location?

• A. Spatial (Location) Verbs
• B. Indicating Verbs
• C. Depicting Verbs
• D. Reciprocal Verbs

Answer: (A)

Movement through signing space to show a change of location is a hallmark of spatial (location) verbs. These verbs use the location in the signing space to represent where something is and how it moves, so the sign itself travels from one spot to another to indicate relocation. For example, you can place the referent near you and move the sign toward a different space that represents the destination, signaling that the referent has moved. Other verb types serve different functions: indicating verbs rely on directed movement and pointing to show who or what is involved, but they don’t primarily encode location changes by moving in space; depicting verbs convey action or manner through imagery in space; reciprocal verbs express actions shared between participants. Therefore, the class that uses movement to indicate a change of location is spatial (location) verbs.