Unit 16 Classifiers

Describing Things Around Us Describing the physical appearance of the things around us is an important part of how we identify things, discriminate between things or define them.

Describing an object fluently requires skills in: Visualizing the object Choosing appropriate classifiers Using the interplay of the weak and dominate hands

Using classifiers to Describe Things

Descriptive Classifiers (DCL) DCL’s categorize nouns by their physical appearance.

DCL Use NMS to emphasize the size of the object if it is unusual or if you are contrasting two similar objects of different sizes. “OO” “MM” “CHA”

Attachments If attachments are symmetrical, describe the object by first establishing its basic shape, then using both hands simultaneously to show the attachments in their relative locations.

If attachments are asymmetrical, or an attachment on only one side, establish the basic shape with both hands, then use your non-dominant hand to hold the reference point while your dominant hand show the attachments in their relative locations.

Which do you use?

Instrument Classifier (ICL) Another way to describe attachments is to describe how the object is handled or how it works. I.e. pushed, pulled, lifted, turned.

Describing objects that are not fixed “not fixed” means things that are portable and unattached to any surface, such as accessories, small appliances, food items. The amount and kind of information you give in describing an object depends on the purpose of your description. It also depends on how familiar your listener is with the object.

General Sequencing Give the name of the object and/or tell that material it’s made of. Tell the color of the object or its parts, if relevant. Use DCL to establish the basic shape and size of the object. Use NMS to emphasize an unusual size or to contrast similar objects of different sizes. Use basic shape reference point, use other DCLs to describe distinctive features, attachments or designs. Use ICLs to indicate how the object or its attachments are used, if relevant.

Describing Fixed Objects Some objects have a “fixed” position. i.e. they may be attached to the ceiling or placed in a certain position on the floor and not normally moved around.

3 Ways to Describe Fixed Objects Describe bottom to top Describe top to bottom Describe from the ceiling down

Bottom to Top

Top to bottom

Ceiling Down

Determining Perspectives Describe from front: TV, Computer, Blender Describe in Neutral Space: Coffee table, toaster, pots and pans Describe from rear: camera, telescope, megaphone Describe from sitting position: Foot rest of recliner, arm rest, bicycle Describe as if on your body: Glasses, hat, mask