Classifiers
ASL has a fairly large set of signs that are called classifiers. Linguists have found that
there are many types of classifiers. The two we will discuss in first year are:
1. Pronominal Classifiers (CL) are signs in which a particular hand shape, with a particular palm
orientation is used to represent a noun (like a pronoun) and can indicate the location of
that noun and actions, if any. Pronominal CLs are real signs with all five parameters.
Each parameter has its own meaning:
a. Hand shape - gives information regarding size and shape.
b. Palm Orientation - provides information on locale and angle.
c. Movement - gives the nature of the action (how fast, etc.).
d. Location - gives location and spatial orientation.
e. NMGS – Prossidy shows emphasis for size, action, locale, etc.
2. Size and Shape Specifiers (SASSes) are a special kind of CL that illustrate certain physical
features of a noun as well as indicate its location in space. SASSes give a physical
description. SASSes may occasionally be able to show movement (i.e., ‘button popping
off shirt’).
CLs stand for a particular group or ‘class’ of nouns. 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.
Since CLs that function as pronouns usually are made with only one hand, the other hand
can also be used to represent another noun. Then the signer can illustrate the relative locations
and/or actions of the two referents by positioning the CLs in particular locations in space and
then move them around in relation to each other.
ASL is heavily dependant on CLs. If you are not seeing CLs, you’re probably seeing a
manual code for English and not ASL.
.
Pronominal Classifier Exploration Sentences
Using the CL:1 handshape show:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The boy came straight to me very fast.
I went off to the right.
The girl walked up to me and then turned away quickly.
I walked straight ahead slowly, and then came back.
The cat came up to me and I pet it.
Using “two hands” with the CL:1or CL:V handshapes show:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The girl and I went away in opposite directions.
I followed the man as he walked around the corner.
I walked around the woman who was standing still.
The dog followed the cat to the right and left.
The man and woman walked past each other very slowly.
Using the CL:1 handshape or the CL:2 handshape show:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The two couples met and walked off together.
I walked up to the man and woman who were standing together.
Two women came up to me on my right.
The two men walked toward me and then quickly turned away.
Two girls followed the woman.
SASS Classifier Exploration Sentences
CL:_______1.
CL:_______2.
CL:_______3.
CL:_______4.
CL:_______5.
CL:_______6.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
long sheet of paper
hamburger patty
button
unfolded map
fabric on floor
large plate
CL:_______7. pop can
CL:_______8. large puddle
CL:_______9. bucket
CL:_______10. soap dish
CL:_______11. cereal bowl
CL:_______12. a quarter
The man put the long sheet of paper on the table.
The boy took a huge bite of the hamburger.
I saw two buttons on the floor.
That map on the wall is huge!
Mom laid the fabric out on the floor.
That large plate was piled high with meat.
Where did I put my pop can?
I put the red bucket on the table.
The blue bowl on the shelf is my favorite.
Be careful, there is a big puddle right there.