1. Classifiers

2. What is a Classifier?
CL stands for a particular group or ‘class' of nouns.
She = woman, waitress, mom, etc…(NOT man, waiter, dad)
In the same way CL:3 = Vehicle (bus, car, boat, etc…

3. Several Important things about CLs
They show how classifiers function as pronouns
“It” = anything in English/ ASL has a specific CL
Show how classifiers can function as verbs
The car hit the girl
Can convey information about the manner of an action
The car was driving fast
Gives information about the location of the referents and their action.
The red car hit the orange car on the passenger side.

4. How do you use a CL?
  CLs generally cannot be used in a sentence until the signer indicates which particular referent (e.g. a car) the classifier stands for.  This is usually done by signing or fingerspelling the noun and then using the CL that can represent that noun.
EX: CAR# RED (CL:3)
Classifiers that function as pronouns are usually made with one hand, the other hand can represent another noun. (relative location/action of two referents.

5. ASL has a fairly large set of signs that are called classifiers
 ASL has a fairly large set of signs that are called classifiers.  Linguists have found that there are at least two types of classifiers:
True Classifiers (CL)
Size and Shape Specifiers (SASSes)

6. Hand shape - gives information regarding size and shape.
True Classifiers (CL) are signs in which a particular hand shape, with a particular palm orientation is used to represent the location and actions of that noun.
True CLs are real signs with all five parameters.  Each parameter has its own meaning:
Hand shape - gives information regarding size and shape.
  Palm Orientation - provides information on locale and angle.
  Movement - gives the nature of the action (how fast, etc.).
Location - gives location and spatial orientation.
NMGS - show emphasis for size, action, locale, etc.

7. Size and Shape Specifiers
A special kind of CL that illustrate certain physical features of a noun DCLs
Indicate its location in space.
Can occasionally be able to show movement (i.e. ‘button popping off shirt') or how something is used (ICLs)

8. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
Describes size, shape, depth or texture of something
When describing objects that are flat, use your index finger to trace the shape.
When describing objects that have depth use the B,C,CLAW, or other hand shapes to show three-dimensionality.
Look at the shapes as you describe them.
Looking up into it
Looking down at it
Looking around it
Looking inside or through it

9. Instrument Classifiers – ICL
Use your weak hand to hold a reference point as you show how to use the lids, pumps, handles, etc…
Show the ICL last after you describe the object. (DCL “Shape”/ DCL “Pattern”/ ICL “action”

10. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
When describing size use the appropriate non-manual markers to indicate size:
“oo” for very small, thin, narrow, etc..
“mm” for average or medium size
“cha” for very large, wide, tall, etc…

11. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
Show patterns or designs
When describing the pattern or design on an object, your weak had should retain the DCL hand shape as a reference point. Then the design can be traced over the object with the dominate hand. It is sometimes better to use both hands when describing the pattern or design on the surface.

12. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
Descriptions for textures are usually signed with both hands after the description of the object
Use different texture
Bumpy – puffy checks
Dented-th
Warped-th
Very smooth-oo
Shiny-oo
]Very solid-tight lips
Soft –puffed cheeks
Fuzzy- oo

13. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
When signing Asymmetrical Combination, first sign the base shape then keep the weak hand in place for spatial reference as you describe the attachment.
If an object has an attachment on your non-dominate side, use your dominant hand to hold a reference point while using your weak hand to describe the attachment.

14. DCL =Descriptive Classifiers
Use the following general sequence rules for describing objects with multiple parts (use whichever one applies to the object)
From general to specific
From the biggest part to the smallest part/detail
From the ground to the top
From the least mobile to the most mobile
Make sure you emphasize the features that distinguish your object from the others.

15. Example Classifiers CL: 1 CL: 2 CL: 3 CL: 4 CL: 5 CL: A CL: B CL: BB
CL: CC
CL: F
CL: G
CL: L
CL: LL
CL: S
CL: V (Bent)
CL:X
CL: Y

16. CL: 1 Represents things that are longer than wide and relatively slender
Pens/ pencils
Straws
Rods
needles
People
Used to outline a shape/ pattern
Table
Paper
Legs

17. CL: 4
Liquid
Represents a group of many individuals/animals/ various things lined up
Ex. Birds on a phone line
Ex. People seated in a semi-circle

18. CL: 5 Represents a huge mass of thing
Outline Uneven surfaces
Location or movement of a group of people
Rows of people who are standing/seated (both hands)
(does not represent a certain number of)
People
Animals
Birds
Paper clips
Trees
Rocks
Rough or uneven texture

19. CL: A Represents things that are considerable in size and shape
Trophy
House
Vase
Candle
Mug
Lamp
Computer
Statue

20. CL: B Flat / rectangular or square like items
Table
Bed
Counter top
Smooth Texture
Continuous Surface
Used to outline (smooth surface)

21. CL:C Cup Bottle Candle Cylinder Object Hole Pole Group of people
Can be moved to show VERB
Can show how large the group is depending on how close or far apart the fingertips are.

22. CL: F Represents things that are small, roundish, and does not have much depth
Coin
Candy
Eye
Coke bottle top
pole
Poker chip
Small cookie
button
hole

23. CL: LL Hole (different in size and depth than CL:F and CL:C)
Pole (different in size and depth than CL:F and CL:C)
Flat round objects
Tortilla Credit Card
Frisbee Check
Plate Index Card

24. CL: Bent V Chair Couch Person Seated Movements of Various movements
Cat, dog, mouse, horse, cow, snake

25. Cl:X
Often represent things like a hook or hanger

26. Plural Classifiers
Orderly configuration, for example “in a row” repeat the classifier in a straight line with dominant hand
Non-dominate hand is a starting point ND
(non-dom) D
(Dom hand)
>

27. Plural Classifiers
If the signer wants to indicate that there are many things in a row, he/she would “sweep” the sign ND D
________________________>

28. Signers Perspective of CL
Various classifiers are used to describe and represent the same object depending on the referent’s perspective
For Example : Corn from far away CL:1 / Corn close up CL:CC
Pole far away vs. Close CL:1>G>F>CC

29. Other Perspective Considerations
Describe from the front
Describe in neutral space
Describe from rear
Describe from sitting position
Describe as if on your body

30. Other Perspective Considerations Describe from the front
If the object has a definite front and back, describe it as if you were standing in front of it
EX: TV, computer, radio, keyboard, VCR

31. Other Perspective Considerations Describe in Neutral Space
If the object has no definite front or back, describe it in neutral space
EX. ball, table, pots, pans, plant

32. Other Perspective Considerations Describe from the rear
If the object is usually handled from the rear, describe it as if you were using it
EX: Video Camera, telescope, megaphone

33. Other Perspective Considerations Describe from a sitting position
If the object is usually seen from a sitting position, describe attachments (recliner, steering wheel, turn signals) as seen if you were sitting in it.
EX: Sofa, bike, car

34. Other Perspective Considerations Describe as if on your body
If the object id used on the body, describe it as if you were wearing it
EX: clothes, glasses, mask, gloves

35. General Sequence for Describing Objects
Name the object
State the material it’s made of
Color
Use DCL for basic shape and size
Describe distinctive features attachments, or designs
Use ICL to show how it’s used

36. Describing Fixed Objects
Describe from the bottom to top
Describe from the top to bottom
Describe from the ceiling down.

37. Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the bottom to top
If the object is columnar and standing upright on the floor:
Describe basic shape from bottom to top
Add details

38. Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the top to bottom
If the object is bulky and standing on the floor or ground:
Describe the basic shape starting with top then sides
Describe type of door or how it functions (ICL)

39. Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the ceiling down
If the object is columnar and hanging from the ceiling:
Describe from the ceiling down
Add details
Show how the item is used

40. Conventional Uses of Classifiers Many Classifiers are ASL signs
Meet
Hit
Popular
Grab
Remind
CL: V
Dance
Fall-down
Dive
Jump
Ride-in
Restless
Knell

41. Conventional Uses of Classifiers Many Classifiers are ASL signs
Fence
Cage
Rainbow
Jail
Eyelashes (flirt)
blood
CL:5
Fire
Assemble –to
Traffic
War