Overview
This lecture explains the five essential parameters used in American Sign Language (ASL) and provides examples to illustrate each one.
The Five Parameters of ASL
- The five parameters in ASL are handshape, location, palm orientation, movement (motion), and facial expressions (non-manual markers).
- Each parameter can change the meaning of a sign even if the other aspects remain the same.
Handshape
- Handshape refers to the specific shape your hand forms when making a sign.
- Example: "Insurance," "infection," and "emergency" have the same movement and location but different handshapes.
- Example: "College" (flat hand) vs. "University" (U hand); only handshape varies.
Location
- Location is where the sign is made on or near the body.
- Example: "Mother" vs. "Father" use the same handshape and movement but are placed at different spots on the face.
- Example: "Grandmother" and "Grandfather" differ only by location.
- Example: "Curious" vs. "Soon" use the same handshape and movement; only the location changes.
Palm Orientation
- Palm orientation is the direction your palm faces during a sign.
- Example: The sign for the letter "K" has the palm facing outward; changing it downward creates the letter "P."
Movement (Motion)
- Movement describes how the hand moves when making a sign.
- Example: "History," "hard-of-hearing," and "hurry" use the same handshape but different movements.
- "History" moves up and down, "hard-of-hearing" taps in two places, and "hurry" uses a repetitive motion.
Facial Expressions / Non-Manual Markers
- Facial expressions (non-manual markers) play a key role in distinguishing signs with otherwise identical handshape, location, palm orientation, and movement.
- Example: "Not yet" and "late" use the same sign, but "not yet" has an open mouth with the tongue out, while "late" uses a closed mouth.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Handshape — the form your hand takes when signing.
- Location — where on or near the body the sign is made.
- Palm Orientation — the direction your palm faces during the sign.
- Movement (Motion) — the motion your hand makes while signing.
- Facial Expressions / Non-Manual Markers — facial movements that add grammatical or emotional meaning to a sign.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize and practice the five ASL parameters with sign examples given.
- Review additional signs focusing on how each parameter changes meaning.
- Watch the next video to continue learning about American Sign Language.