1. Classifiers American Sign Language III

2. Descriptive Classifiers Used when describing the physical characteristics of nouns

3. Example:

4. CL:55(bent) - sphere

5. Example:

6. CL:LL(bent) – thin circular object

7. Example:

8. CL:CC SS – narrowing object

9. Example:

10. CL:CC – large tube object

11. Example:

12. CL:55(closed) - box

13. Descriptive Classifiers Used when describing the physical characteristics of nouns These same classifiers can be used to describe a variety of objects

14. Descriptive Classifiers Used when describing the physical characteristics of nouns These same classifiers can be used to describe a variety of objects Can you think of any?

15. Descriptive Classifiers Used when describing the physical characteristics of nouns These same classifiers can be used to describe a variety of objects To distinguish between two objects or emphasize an unusual size use non- manual mouth morphemes

16. Example:

17. Mouth “oo”: small

18. Example:

19. Mouth “mm”: standard size

20. Example:

21. Mouth “cha”: big

22. Descriptive Classifiers Used when describing the physical characteristics of nouns These same classifiers can be used to describe a variety of objects To distinguish between two objects or emphasize an unusual size use non- manual mouth morphemes Also the handshape of the CL changes with size

23. Descriptive Classifiers Descriptive classifiers are also used to describe attachments and designs of objects.

24. Descriptive Classifiers Descriptive classifiers are also used to describe attachments and designs of objects. Describing these depends on whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical.

25. Descriptive Classifiers Descriptive classifiers are also used to describe attachments and designs of objects. Describing these depends on whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical. –Symmetrical means when something is cut in half, both sides are mirror images.

26. Descriptive Classifiers Descriptive classifiers are also used to describe attachments and designs of objects. Describing these depends on whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical. –Symmetrical means when something is cut in half, both sides are mirror images. –Asymmetrical means not symmetrical

27. Symmetrical Objects Use the same handshape for both hands to describe the basic shape of the object.

28. Symmetrical Example:

29. CL:FF- circular object CL: SS – rolling pin

30. Symmetrical Example:

31. CL: 55(closed) - bowl

32. Symmetrical Example:

33. CL: SS - stir

34. Asymmetrical Objects Use the same handshape for both hands to describe the basic shape of the object.

35. Asymmetrical Objects Use the same handshape for both hands to describe the basic shape of the object. Then note the objects differences by maintaining one handshape that is the same, and altering your dominant handshape.

36. Asymmetrical Example:

37. CL: FF – cylinder object CL:CS – turning crank

38. Asymmetrical Example:

39. CL:55(closed) – cupped object CL:CG - handle

40. Asymmetrical Example:

41. CL: 55(closed) – bowl CL:5(closed)4 – whisk

42. So what’s the difference between symmetrical objects and asymmetrical objects when using classifiers?

43. Instrument Classifiers

44. Instrument classifiers describe things based on how they are handled or how they work, not how they appear

45. Example:

46. CL:A – pulling a pull-cord

47. Example:

48. CL:SS – opening door

49. Example:

50. CL:A – turn on/off

51. Can you think of any others?

52. The Science Lab We will watch a video of Freda and Ben. Watch closely how Freda compares sizes to clarify which object she means. Also watch how her weak (non-dominant) hand is a reference point.

53. The Science Lab We will watch a video of Freda and Ben. Watch closely how Freda compares sizes to clarify which object she means. Also watch how her weak (non-dominant) hand is a reference point. Now the clips will appear in slow motion. The signer will maintain the basic shape with her weak hand while describing with her dominant hand.

54. PRACTICE