The 5 Parameters of ASL PDF

The 5 Parameters of ASL Mr. J. Nimmo [email protected] 5 Parameters of ASL Content 1. Introduction to ASL Parameters 2. Handshape 3. Palm Orientation 4. Location 5. Movement 6. Non-Manual Markers (NMM/NMS) 7. Assumptions in ASL Introduction to ASL Parameters Each ASL Sign can be broken...

The 5 Parameters of ASL Mr. J. Nimmo [email protected] 5 Parameters of ASL Content 1. Introduction to ASL Parameters 2. Handshape 3. Palm Orientation 4. Location 5. Movement 6. Non-Manual Markers (NMM/NMS) 7. Assumptions in ASL Introduction to ASL Parameters 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 Definition ASL Alphabet This refers to the hand configuration Every word begins with one of at least which is used in the beginning of any forty handshapes found in the manual word production in American Sign alphabet. Language (ASL). Common Errors Examples Common handshape errors include the Signs in the same location, but difference between the number 1 & D, different handshape: Restaurant vs. D & F, and E & O. Arizona, Twin vs. Napkin Palm Orientation Definition This refers to the direction in which the hand is turned to produce a sign. Directions Palm orientation includes palm up, palm down, palm right, palm left, palm outward (away from you), and palm inward (facing you). Examples 3 Signs that change with palm orientation: School, Stop, Arrive. Location Definition Signing Space Examples This refers to the General physical 3 Signs that change physical location parameters for sign meaning when where the sign is production include changing location: produced. approximately four Summer, Ugly, Dry. inches above the head, elbow room as with hands on waist, and about four inches below the belly button or belt buckle. Movement Definition Directional Verbs This refers to the changing of the A sign may be moving away from location of the hands within the set you or towards you to indicate a physical parameters during sign directional verb such as 'I give you production. the book' or 'She gives him the book'. Frequency Examples Movement also refers to the 3 Examples of how movement frequency of an action. changes meaning: Stop, Some, Reject. Non-Manual Markers (NMM/NMS) Definition 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. (as known as Facial Expressions) Facial Expressions Facial Expressions fall under the category of NMM/NMS. Head and Face Movements Examples Head nods, shakes, eyebrows, nose, eyes, and lips carry meaning that can be attached to a sign. Assumptions in ASL Understanding Signs Deductive Skills If you have 2 out of the 3 Not every person will sign parameters (Handshape, correctly. Mistakes do Location, Movement), happen. you have to assume it is the right sign. You may need to use reasoning skills to understand what is being signed through ASL.