5 Parameters of ASL PDF

# The 5 Parameters of ASL - Handshape - Palm Orientation - Location - Movement - Non-Manual Markers ## The Five Parameters of ASL **Each ASL Sign can be broken down and analyzed into five separate features called PARAMETERS.** **For a sign to be correct, each of the five parameters must be used c...

# The 5 Parameters of ASL - Handshape - Palm Orientation - Location - Movement - Non-Manual Markers ## The Five Parameters of ASL **Each ASL Sign can be broken down and analyzed into five separate features called PARAMETERS.** **For a sign to be correct, each of the five parameters must be used correctly.** ## Handshape **This refers to the hand configuration which is used in the beginning of any word production in American Sign Language (ASL).** **If you are familiar with the ASL alphabet, you will notice that every word begins with one of at least forty handshapes found in the manual alphabet.** **Common handshape errors include the difference between the number 1 & D, D & F, and E & O.** **Signs in the same location, but different handshape:** - Restaurant - Arizona - Twin - Napkin ## Palm Orientation **This refers to the direction in which the hand is turned to produce a sign.** **Palm orientation is the direction of your palm which may include:** - Palm up - Palm down - Palm right - Palm left - Palm outward (away from you) - Palm inward (palm facing you) **3 Signs that change with palm orientation:** - School - Stop - Arrive ## Location **This refers to the physical parameters or bodily location where the sign is produced.** **The general physical parameters (signing space) for sign language production are approximately four inches above the head, elbow room as with hands on waist, and about four inches below the belly button or belt buckle.** **3 Signs that change meaning when changing location:** - Summer - Ugly - Dry ## Movement **This refers to the changing of the location of the hands within the set physical parameters during sign production.** **For example, a sign may be moving away from you or towards you to indicate a directional verb such as "I give you the book" or "She gives him a pencil."** **Movement also refers to the frequency of an action.** **Movement affects meaning.** **3 Examples of how Movement changes meaning:** - Stop - Some - Reject ## Non-Manual Markers / Signals (NMM or NMS) **Referred to as NMM or NMS, are signals or gestures done without the use of the hands and mostly from the shoulders, head, and face to relay a message.** **Specific NMM or NMS alter the meaning of a sign.** **Facial Expressions fall under the category of NMM / NMS.** **Head nods, shakes, eyebrows, nose, eyes, and lips carry meaning that can be attached to a sign.** ## Assumptions **If you have 2 out of 3, you have to assume it is the right sign.** - Handshape - Location - Movement **Not every person will sign correctly. You may need to use deductive skills to understand what is being conveyed through ASL.**