Lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation processes in sign languages: Comparing depicting constructions and viewpoint gestures

► We compare depicting constructions (DCs) in sign languages (SLs) and gesture. ► We find similarities between entity constructions and observer viewpoint gestures. ► We find similarities between handling constructions and character viewpoint gestures. ► In SLs, lexicalisation and de-lexicalisation in DCs are influenced by viewpoint.