ASL Parameters Overview

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Questions and Answers

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

False (B)

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

False (B)

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

False (B)

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Handshape in ASL

The configuration of the hand used to produce an ASL sign.

Palm Orientation

The direction of the hand's palm (up, down, right, left, inward, outward) during an ASL sign, which impacts meaning.

Location in ASL

The area of space around the signer's body where an ASL sign is made.

Movement in ASL

The change in a hand's location within the signing area.

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Non-Manual Markers (NMM)

Facial expressions, head movements (nods, shakes), and other non-hand gestures that alter the meaning of an ASL sign.

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ASL Parameters

The five key components (handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, NMMs) that make up an ASL sign and impact its meaning.

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Handshape Errors in ASL

Mistakes in hand configurations that result in a different sign with a different meaning, like confusing 1 and D or E and O.

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Signing Space in ASL

The approximate 4 inches above/below the head, elbow region, and waist area where signs are produced.

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Palm Orientation Example

Different palm orientations alter the meaning of signs, e.g., the sign for "school" with palm up might mean something else with palm down.

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Study Notes

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.

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