NAME: ____________________________
DATE: ___________
Period: ______
ASL 1 HOMEWORK: UNIT 5 - #5
SCHOOL DAYS
Classifiers
[MASL 1 Text p. 192 - 196]
1. (p. 192) Give a definition of Classifiers (abbreviated in gloss as CL: + handshape).
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Write 2 examples in gloss and tell what they can be used to represent.
1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
2. How does someone watching a signed story know what the classifier is being used to
represent? _____________________________________________________________
Write an example in gloss.
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3. In gloss writing the use of a classifier, a third part is necessary. In parenthesis, you
must tell why the classifier is being used. For example, a classifier might be used to
show the motion of a vehicle or a person. A classifier could also be used to give
information about the physical relationship of items to each other – ex: My brother
stood next to my sister. Such information is given in English sentences by words
called prepositions. Write 5 examples of English prepositions.
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4. After reading pages 194 – 195, write a sentence in English (including a preposition)
that you think might use CL:1 or CL: ^ when translated to ASL.
Eng: _________________________________________________________________
ASL: (to be completed in class)___________________________________________
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5. Glossing Classifiers…… in summary!
When a signer wants to convey information about the actions or physical relationship of
persons or objects, the object or person must be named/identified [see Eyes on ASL #11,
p. 194] and appropriate handshape selected. The classifier is then used to show physical
relationship to another object or person, or the action/motion of the object.
Thus, in glossing classifiers, it is critical to write all three elements for the classifier used.
These 3 elements or parts of classifier use are….
1. _______________________ 2. _____________________ 3.___________________
EX: 1. MY BROTHER
1. MY FATHER
2. CL: 1
2. CL: ^
3. [came up to me slowly]
3. [turned & walked away]
Write 2 examples of your own following the examples above. Include as least one use of
CL:3. (p. 196)
1. _______________________ 2. _____________________ 3.___________________
1. _______________________ 2. _____________________ 3.___________________
6. On page 194 (middle of the page), notice the statement “The meaning of Example 1
can vary depending on the characteristics incorporated into the classifier.” Was the action
performed with a particular attitude or in a specific manner? Think about and try to
explain how the extra information about manner (underlined in the sentence below) could
be included in the use of a classifier.
ENG: The teacher walked angrily to her desk.
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