Lin Notes 6

Parameters

The various properties of signs that we can describe are usually called (sometimes also called primes).

Basic Manual parameters

Handshape, orientation, location, movement, (nonmanuals)

Handshape

The static configuration of base knuckles and interphalangeal joints in a sign. Can be described by the abduction or flexion of the fingers.

Orientation

Direction the hand is facing, controlled by wrist, radioulnar, elbow, shoulder

Palm Orientation

Direction the palm is facing

Finger Orientation

Direction the fingers are pointing

Metacarpals

Bones inside the hands (Determine orientation, regardless of handshape)

Location

Where in space or on the body it is articulated.

Neutral Signing Space

default location in front of signer’s torso like ASL thank you

Movement

change in the configuration of the joint

Path Movement

Movement at the elbow or shoulder

Local Movement

movement at radioulnar, wrist, base, interphalangeal joints

Minimal Pair

two signs that differ in just one parameter

Stokoe Notation

most historically significant sign notation system, however designed for asl

Other sign lanaguage writing systems

HamNoSys and SignWriting