  Across a number of sign languages, temporal and spatial characteristics of
dominant hand articulation are used to express semantic and grammatical
features. In this study of Austrian Sign Language (\"Osterreichische
Geb\"ardensprache, or \"OGS), motion capture data of four Deaf signers is used
to quantitatively characterize the kinematic parameters of sign production in
verbs and adjectives. We investigate (1) the difference in production between
verbs involving a natural endpoint (telic verbs; e.g. arrive) and verbs lacking
an endpoint (atelic verbs; e.g. analyze), and (2) adjective signs in
intensified vs. non-intensified (plain) forms. Motion capture data analysis
using linear-mixed effects models (LME) indicates that both the endpoint
marking in verbs, as well as marking of intensification in adjectives, are
expressed by movement modulation in \"OGS. While the semantic distinction
between verb types (telic/atelic) is marked by higher peak velocity and shorter
duration for telic signs compared to atelic ones, the grammatical distinction
(intensification) in adjectives is expressed by longer duration for intensified
compared to non-intensified adjectives. The observed individual differences of
signers might be interpreted as personal signing style.
