luka pona

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luka pona (LPSL), is a constructed sign language and tokiponido created by jan Olipija. Unlike toki pona luka, which is a manually coded relex of Toki Pona, luka pona is a real sign language, including classifiers and nonmanual features (NMFs). In the Toki Pona Dictionary (2021), jan Sonja advocates and recommends learning luka pona instead of toki pona luka.

The main community center for luka pona is the #luka-pona channel on the ma pona pi toki pona Discord server, where there are videochat sessions for teaching and chatting, as well as the Ma Toki Pona VR community on VRChat.

Phonology

The phonology of luka pona consists of combinations of smaller features than sings, namely handshape, placement, orientation, and motion.

Handshapes

The handshape inventory consists of nine handshapes as shown below. This limited number of handshapes is helpful for those with limitations, either physical or technical, such as in virtual reality, since some controlers have a limited number of handshapes available. There are several allophonic variants when signing in real life, sometimes used for emotional effect.

• 

  wan (1): Index finger extended

• 

  tu (V): Index and middle fingers extended

• 

  tawa (L): Index finger and thumb extended

• 

  kiwen (OpenA): Fist with thumb extended

• 

  supa (FlatB): Fingers together

• 

  nena (BentB): Fingers together, bent at knuckles

• 

  sike (O): Tips of index (and middle) finger and thumb touching (other fingers together)

• 

  telo (5): Fingers spread

• 

  lili (9): Tips of index finger and thumb touching (other fingers spread)

Grammar

Modifiers

Similar to toki pona, modifiers follow the word they are modifying.

Particles

The sign PI can be replaced with a brief pause without signing, and the sign for LA can be replaced with a longer pause without signing.

Directional signs

Signs such as LUKIN, UTALA, KAMA/TAWA, and PANA/LANPAN point from the direction that the corresponding action comes from. For example, MI SINA LUKIN(tawa sina), the sign LUKIN points toward the referent of SINA, but in SINA MI LUKIN(tawa mi), it points toward the speaker. In ONA-1 ONA-2 LUKIN, it points toward the side of ONA-2.

Postpositions

Unlike Toki Pona, which has prepositions and preverbs, luka pona instead uses postpositions and postverbs.

The sign O is also postpositive. When used for commands, it can be replaced by signing intensely. When used to address someone, O can be replaced by wiggling the hand intensely before or after the name; or with the sign LUKIN-E, pointing at the speaker, after the name.

Negation

Negation can be either expressed using the sign ALA or be signaled by shaking the head, lowering the eyebrows, and frowning.

Syntax

luka pona has a subject–object–verb (SOV) word order and lacks the words li or e. The basic word order is structured as subject NI-1 object NI-2 verb. The NI signs point toward different sides (indicated in the gloss with number suffixes), including for multiple subjects and objects.

MI NI-1 PAN NI-2 MOKU.

mi moku e pan.

For short sentences, this sign may be omitted with little ambiguity. For instance, TOKI PONA may be interpreted either as toki pona or toki li pona. In this case, NI is used to disambiguate the meaning.

MI PAN MOKU.

mi moku e pan.

A second subject can be clarified with the sign EN/KIN/KAN, following the NI for the first subject. Multiple verbs are separated by a brief pause.

Interrogative clauses

In interrogative clauses, the sign SEME always ends the sentence. Yes-or-no questions are formed with a confused expression or by tilting the head to the side. SEME is also used to link sentences instead of ni.

Vocabulary

Main article: Dictionary of luka pona

Fingerspelling

luka pona manual alphabet consists of 14 signs, which can be either one-handed or two-handed, used to spell out names and words from toki pona.

Lexicalization

Not be confused with lexicalization in Toki Pona.

Lexicalization in sign languages refers to the borrowing of fingerspelled signs. For example, the signs for ku, jasima, pu, soko, unpa and eliki lack equivalent signs, but instead, are lexicalized, fingerspelled signs.

Time

Time phrases are expressed with phrase TENPO NI, with the sign NI pointing in different directions. Pointing back represents tenpo pini, pointing at one's feet represents tenpo ni, and pointing forward represents tenpo kama.

Numbers

Numbers can be expressed with the signs for Toki Pona number words, or by extending the corresponding number of fingers, optionally with the sign for nanpa before. Another way of enumerating things is to touch the nth finger on the other hand.

Intensifiers

luka pona does not use the intensifier a. Instead, the speaker uses two hands. The sign MUTE can be replaced by signing a word many times in a row.

External links

Resources

Created by jan Olipja

• Video dictionary
• luka pona li seme? (intro blog post)
• Grammar documentation (in Toki Pona; blog)
  • Grammar documentation (Google Docs)
  • Grammar documentation (Google Docs; literal English translation)
• Dictionary spreadsheet
• Fingerspelling:
  • One-handed fingerspelling
  • Two-handed fingerspelling

Compiled by the community

• Memrise
• Anki: Discord; Mega
• 2021 fingerspelling: Discord; Cryptpad
• Online searchable dictionary