ASL Parameters Overview

Each ASL sign can be analyzed into four separate features called PARAMETERS.

Handshape refers to the hand configuration used at the end of sign production in American Sign Language (ASL).

The direction of your palm does not affect the meaning of the sign in ASL.

Movement in ASL can indicate directional verbs like 'I give you the book'.

Non-Manual Markers can include facial expressions and gestures that do not involve the hands.

Location in ASL refers to the hand configuration used for making a sign.

Changing the palm orientation does not affect the meaning of ASL signs such as 'school' or 'stop'.

There are over forty distinct handshapes used in American Sign Language.

The signing space for ASL production is generally limited to the area above the head and below the belly button.

If you have 2 out of 3 correct parameters in ASL, you can assume the sign is correct.

ASL Parameters

ASL signs are analyzed using five parameters:
- Handshape
- Palm Orientation
- Location
- Movement
- Non-Manual Markers (NMM)

Handshape

Refers to the hand configuration used for sign production.
ASL alphabet has at least 40 handshapes.
Common errors include confusing 1 & D, D & F, and E & O.
Signs can differ in handshape while sharing the same location. Examples are Restaurant, Arizona, Twin, and Napkin.

Palm Orientation

Signifies the direction of the palm.
Includes palm up, palm down, palm right, palm left, palm outward, palm inward.
Palm orientation alters the meaning for some signs. Examples are School, Stop, and Arrive.

Location

Describes the physical space where the sign is performed.
General signing space is about 4 inches above head, elbow level to around 4 inches below the belly button.
Changing location can alter the meaning of signs; for example, Summer, Ugly, and Dry.

Movement

Refers to the location changes of the hands during sign production.
Can indicate directional verbs, for instance, "I give you the book" or "She gives him a pencil."
Movement also implies the frequency of an action and affects the meaning.
Examples of how movement changes the meaning: Stop, Some, and Reject.

Non-Manual Markers (NMM)

Signals done without hand movements, often using shoulders, head, and face for communication.
NMMs alter the meaning of a sign.
Facial expressions and head nods/shakes are included in NMM category.
Eyebrows, nose, eyes, and lips carry meaning when used alongside signs.

Assumptions

If two of the three key parameters (handshape, location, and movement) match, one must assume the complete sign despite a gap.
Not all signers are consistent; deductive reasoning is necessary for understanding ASL.

This quiz covers the five parameters of American Sign Language (ASL) which include handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual markers. Understand the significance of each parameter and how they contribute to effective sign communication. Test your knowledge of the nuances that define ASL.