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.

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

LETTERS & NUMBERS

Examples :

 I vs My

 Please vs Sorry

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  

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

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 

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

EX

NMS- Yes

EX

FE – Happy vs very happy