There are five distinct elements to correctly using American Sign Language (ASL). They are:
- Hand Shape
- Hand Position
- Hand Orientation
- Hand Movement
- Facial Expression
Hand Shape
The shape of the hand can be that of a given number or letter (called “classifiers”) or of something entirely different. Accuracy is key. The signer needs to be sure that the fingers are in the correct positions. For example, the letters “e” and “o” are frequently confused if not signed distinctly. A mirror can be a useful self-check tool to ensure the sign appears to the viewer as intended.
Hand Position
The position of the hand (near the forehead, near the chin, chest level, etc) can totally change the meaning of a word. For instance, the same hand shape and motion are used for brother (starting at the forehead) or sister (starting at the jaw line), but can alter the meaning of a sentence. A “b” classifier tapped at the chin may be a name sign. This is a common location for many name signs, as is the left shoulder. But move that “b” to the forehead and it becomes a word not generally welcome in polite company.
Hand Orientation
Orientation is the way the hand faces. Typically, the sign is performed facing outward away from the signer. Those “reading” the signs then have a better view. This element is not quite so critical as the others and can sometimes be painful if the signer has tendinitis or arthritis. Most important are readability and comfort. As Dr. William Vicars of Lifeprint.com and Assistant Professor of ASL and Deaf Studies at Sacramento State University says, “If it hurts, don’t do it.”
Hand Movement
Hand movement is a major component of sign language. The “b” classifier when pulled down the side of the face means “brown”. If pulled down by the chin, usually in two quick pulls, it means “beer”. In order to relieve the confusion, some Deaf people are altering the sign for “brown” to an up and down chopping motion just out from the right shoulder (if using the right hand). Take that same “b” and twist it back and forth at the wrist, it means “blue”. Again, using a mirror during practice can help the signer ensure the movements, position, orientation and shape are clear and easily distinguished.
Facial Expression
Facial expression in ASL is oft times more exaggerated than with spoken language. If the signer is telling a story or recounting an incident, the facial expression will reflect the emotions that go with. For questions, the raise of the eyebrows or nod of the head can add or change meanings. For instance, when asking a yes or no question, the signer raises his eyebrows and tilts his head forward. For questions that are “who, what, when, where, why, or how”, the signer assumes a quizzical expression and forms the “wh” shape with her mouth. To the outsider, this may seems odd and uncomfortable. But for the Deaf and other experienced signers, it becomes a natural method of expression.
For those learning American Sign Language, there are many factors to remember and practice. Working diligently with each sign, ensuring the correct hand shape, position, orientation, movement and facial expression will bring great improvement in fluency and clarity.
Elizabeth Linehan - Elizabeth studied American Sign Language at Brigham Young University. She has worked with hearing impaired and multipli-handicapped ...
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