In American Sign Language what does parameters mean?

In American Sign Language (ASL), the term "parameters" refers to the elements that combine to create the meaning of a sign. Think of them as the "building blocks" of signs.

Here are the main parameters in ASL:

* Handshape: The specific shape your hand takes when signing (e.g., "A" handshape, "5" handshape, etc.)

* Location: Where the sign is made on your body or in space (e.g., on your forehead, in front of your chest, etc.)

* Movement: The direction and path of your hand movement (e.g., up and down, in a circle, etc.)

* Palm Orientation: Whether your palm is facing up, down, to the side, or in another direction.

* Facial Expressions and Body Language: These are crucial! They provide additional context and can even change the meaning of a sign.

Example:

Let's take the sign for "cat."

* Handshape: "C" handshape

* Location: In front of your chest

* Movement: A quick, flicking motion outward

* Palm Orientation: Palm facing outward

* Facial Expression: You might make a slightly "surprised" expression, as if you saw a cat.

By changing just one of these parameters, you can change the meaning of the sign. For example, changing the location to the chin would make the sign mean "dog" instead.

Understanding the parameters allows you to break down and analyze signs, which is important for both signing and learning ASL.