本文在梳理分析手语情态动词定义和分类,以及相关实例研究的基础上,指出情态动词的产生和演变主要有两条语法化路径:一是从手语中某个自主实词转变为稳固的情态标记;二是从手势进入手语系统。本文还初步分析了中国手语中表示可能性的两个词语,研究结果显示,中国手语情态动词同样遵循上述两条路径。 Based on the analysis of the definition and classification of modal verbs in the sign language and the related case studies, this paper points out that there are two main grammaticalizing paths in the formation and evolution of modal verbs: one is to change from a self - actualization of sign language to a stable modality marker; Second, enter the sign language system from the gesture. The paper also analyzes two terms that indicate the possibility in Chinese sign language tentatively. The result shows that Chinese sign language modal verb also follows the above two paths.