Classifiers

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…

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)

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

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”

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…

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Cl:X Often represent things like a hook or hanger

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) >

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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