Parameters

Parameters

Parameters

• Each ASL sign can be broken down into 5 categories called Parameters.

• For a sign to be correct, each of the 5 parameters must be used correctly. 

• If one of the parameters change the whole word and meaning changes.

• Parameters - Help you describe the signs.

1 HANDSHAPE (HS)

• HS is the shape of your hand used to create the sign. 

• LETTERS & NUMBERS

• Examples :

   I vs My

   Please vs Sorry

2 LOCATION (LO)

• is where you place and form the sign.

• Examples of locations include:  In Front of your body, anywhere on your face, and arms.

• EX:

  Answer vs to go  

3 MOVEMENT(MO)

• The direction that the sign moves.

• Examples of movement: away from the body, towards the body, up, down, circle, etc.

• EX:

  Tomorrow vs Girl

  • To work a lot

4 PALM ORIENTATION (PO)

• the direction your palms are facing

•  Examples of palm orientation

  Forward -                 Palm is facing away from your body

  Inward -                    Palm is facing toward your body

  Horizontal -              Palm is parallel to the floor

  Palm toward palm - Palms are facing each other

  Palm to palm -         Palms touch each other.

• EX:

  Name vs Chair 

5 FACIAL EXPRESSION (FE)

•  Facial expressions and NMS (non-manual signs) that match the word.

• EX

  NMS- Yes

• EX

  FE – Happy vs very happy

Poll

What is the parameter change between: MOVIES & BUSY

• HANDSHAPE

• LOCATION

• MOVEMENT

• PALM ORIENTATION

• FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Poll

What is the parameter change between: SCARED & TERRIFIED

• HANDSHAPE

• LOCATION

• MOVEMENT

• PALM ORIENTATION

• FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Poll

What is the parameter change between: THANKYOU & BAD

• HANDSHAPE

• LOCATION

• MOVEMENT

• PALM ORIENTATION

• FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Poll

What is the parameter change between: MOM & DAD

• HANDSHAPE

• LOCATION

• MOVEMENT

• PALM ORIENTATION

• FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Poll

What is the parameter change between: HOME & DEAF

• HANDSHAPE

• LOCATION

• MOVEMENT

• PALM ORIENTATION

• FACIAL EXPRESSIONS