The 5 Parameters of American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex, fully developed visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. Unlike spoken languages that rely on sound, ASL uses hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions. To understand how ASL functions, linguists have identified five fundamental building blocks known as the 5 Parameters of ASL. If you change any one of these parameters, the meaning of the sign changes.
1. Handshape (Hand Configuration)
The handshape refers to the specific form or configuration the hands take while producing a sign. ASL utilizes a variety of handshapes, such as a flat palm, a closed fist, or the extension of specific fingers. For example, the sign for "apple" uses an "X" handshape twisted against the cheek, while the sign for "candy" uses the index finger to poke the cheek.
2. Palm Orientation
This parameter describes the direction in which the palm of the hand is facing. Depending on the sign, the palm may face up, down, toward the signer, toward the listener, or to the side. A simple shift in orientation can completely alter a signs intent. For instance, the sign for "name" and the sign for "chair" may involve similar movements, but the orientation of the palms distinguishes the two concepts.
3. Location (Place of Articulation)
Signs are performed in specific locations on or near the body. Common locations include the forehead, the chin, the chest, or the neutral space in front of the signer. The location of the sign is crucial; "mother" and "father" are signed with the same handshape and movement, but the location differentiates them"mother" is signed near the chin, while "father" is signed near the forehead.
4. Movement
Movement refers to the motion of the hands while producing a sign. This can include twisting, tapping, sliding, or circular motions. The speed and intensity of the movement can also influence the meaning. A sign might involve a single, quick motion or a repeated motion. The way the hands travel through space is essential for distinguishing between signs that might otherwise share the same handshape and location.
5. Non-Manual Markers (Expression)
While the first four parameters focus on the hands, the fifth parameter is just as vital. Non-manual markers include facial expressions, head tilting, shoulder shrugging, and eyebrow positioning. These markers provide grammatical context and emotional tone. For example, a furrowed brow might turn a statement into a question, while raised eyebrows might indicate surprise or specific grammatical structures like a conditional clause.
Mastering these five parameters is essential for any student of American Sign Language. By understanding how Handshape, Palm Orientation, Location, Movement, and Non-Manual Markers interact, one gains a deeper appreciation for the structured elegance of ASL as a complete, natural language.
