Classifiers

What is a Classifier?

• CL stands for a particular group or ‘class' of CL stands for a particular group or ‘class' of nouns.nouns.

• She = woman, waitress, mom, etc…(NOT She = woman, waitress, mom, etc…(NOT man, waiter, dad)man, waiter, dad)

• In the same way CL:3 = Vehicle (bus, car, In the same way CL:3 = Vehicle (bus, car, boat, etc…boat, etc…

Several Important things about CLs1.1. They show how classifiers function as They show how classifiers function as pronounspronouns

• ““It” = anything in English/ ASL has a specific CLIt” = anything in English/ ASL has a specific CL

2.2. Show how classifiers can function as Show how classifiers can function as verbsverbs• The car hit the girlThe car hit the girl

3.3. Can convey information about the manner of an Can convey information about the manner of an actionaction

• The car was driving fastThe car was driving fast

4.4. Gives information about the location of the Gives information about the location of the referents and their action.referents and their action.

• The red car hit the orange car on the passenger side.The red car hit the orange car on the passenger side.

How do you use a CL?

•     CLs generally cannot be used in a sentence until CLs generally cannot be used in a sentence until the signer indicates which particular referent (e.g. the signer indicates which particular referent (e.g. a car) the classifier stands for.  This is usually a car) the classifier stands for.  This is usually done by signing or fingerspelling the noun and done by signing or fingerspelling the noun and then using the CL that can represent that noun. then using the CL that can represent that noun.

• EX: CAR# RED (CL:3)EX: CAR# RED (CL:3)• Classifiers that function as pronouns are usually Classifiers that function as pronouns are usually

made with one hand, the other hand can represent made with one hand, the other hand can represent another noun. (relative location/action of two another noun. (relative location/action of two referents.referents.

 ASL has a fairly large set of signs that are called classifiers.  Linguists have

found that there are at least two types of classifiers:

• True Classifiers (CL) True Classifiers (CL) • Size and Shape Specifiers (SASSes) Size and Shape Specifiers (SASSes)

True Classifiers (CL) are signs in which a particular hand shape, with a particular palm orientation is used to represent the location and actions of that noun.

True CLs are real signs with all five parameters.  Each parameter has its own meaning: • Hand shape - gives information regarding size and Hand shape - gives information regarding size and

shape. shape. •     Palm Orientation - provides information on locale and Palm Orientation - provides information on locale and

angle. angle. •     Movement - gives the nature of the action (how fast, Movement - gives the nature of the action (how fast,

etc.).etc.).• Location - gives location and spatial orientation.Location - gives location and spatial orientation.• NMGS - show emphasis for size, action, locale, etc. NMGS - show emphasis for size, action, locale, etc.

Size and Shape Specifiers

• A special kind of CL that illustrate certain A special kind of CL that illustrate certain physical features of a noun DCLsphysical features of a noun DCLs

• Indicate its location in space.Indicate its location in space.• Can occasionally be able to show Can occasionally be able to show

movement (i.e. ‘button popping off shirt') or movement (i.e. ‘button popping off shirt') or how something is used (ICLs)how something is used (ICLs)

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• Describes size, shape, depth or texture of somethingDescribes size, shape, depth or texture of something• When describing objects that are flat, use your index finger When describing objects that are flat, use your index finger

to trace the shape. to trace the shape. • When describing objects that have depth use the When describing objects that have depth use the

B,C,CLAW, or other hand shapes to show three-B,C,CLAW, or other hand shapes to show three-dimensionality.dimensionality.

• Look at the shapes as you describe them.Look at the shapes as you describe them.• Looking up into itLooking up into it• Looking down at itLooking down at it• Looking around itLooking around it• Looking inside or through it Looking inside or through it

Instrument Classifiers – ICL

• Use your weak hand to hold a reference Use your weak hand to hold a reference point as you show how to use the lids, point as you show how to use the lids, pumps, handles, etc…pumps, handles, etc…

• Show the ICL last after you describe the Show the ICL last after you describe the object. (DCL “Shape”/ DCL “Pattern”/ ICL object. (DCL “Shape”/ DCL “Pattern”/ ICL “action”“action”

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• When describing size use the appropriate When describing size use the appropriate non-manual markers to indicate size:non-manual markers to indicate size:• ““oo” for very small, thin, narrow, etc..oo” for very small, thin, narrow, etc..• ““mm” for average or medium sizemm” for average or medium size• ““cha” for very large, wide, tall, etc…cha” for very large, wide, tall, etc…

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• Show patterns or designsShow patterns or designs• When describing the pattern or design on an When describing the pattern or design on an

object, your weak had should retain the object, your weak had should retain the DCL hand shape as a reference point. Then DCL hand shape as a reference point. Then the design can be traced over the object the design can be traced over the object with the dominate hand. It is sometimes with the dominate hand. It is sometimes better to use both hands when describing better to use both hands when describing the pattern or design on the surface.the pattern or design on the surface.

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• Descriptions for textures are usually signed with Descriptions for textures are usually signed with both hands after the description of the objectboth hands after the description of the object• Use different textureUse different texture• Bumpy – puffy checksBumpy – puffy checks• Dented-thDented-th• Warped-thWarped-th• Very smooth-ooVery smooth-oo• Shiny-ooShiny-oo• ]Very solid-tight lips]Very solid-tight lips• Soft –puffed cheeksSoft –puffed cheeks• Fuzzy- ooFuzzy- oo

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• When signing Asymmetrical Combination, When signing Asymmetrical Combination, first sign the base shape then keep the weak first sign the base shape then keep the weak hand in place for spatial reference as you hand in place for spatial reference as you describe the attachment.describe the attachment.

• If an object has an attachment on your non-If an object has an attachment on your non-dominate side, use your dominant hand to dominate side, use your dominant hand to hold a reference point while using your hold a reference point while using your weak hand to describe the attachment.weak hand to describe the attachment.

DCL =Descriptive Classifiers

• Use the following general sequence rules for Use the following general sequence rules for describing objects with multiple parts (use describing objects with multiple parts (use whichever one applies to the object)whichever one applies to the object)• From general to specificFrom general to specific

• From the biggest part to the smallest part/detailFrom the biggest part to the smallest part/detail

• From the ground to the topFrom the ground to the top

• From the least mobile to the most mobileFrom the least mobile to the most mobile

• Make sure you emphasize the features that Make sure you emphasize the features that distinguish your object from the others.distinguish your object from the others.

Example Classifiers

• CL: 1 CL: 1 • CL: 2 CL: 2 • CL: 3 CL: 3 • CL: 4 CL: 4 • CL: 5 CL: 5 • CL: A CL: A • CL: BCL: B• CL: BBCL: BB• CL: CCL: C

• CL: CCCL: CC• CL: FCL: F• CL: GCL: G• CL: LCL: L• CL: LLCL: LL• CL: SCL: S• CL: V (Bent)CL: V (Bent)• CL:XCL:X• CL: YCL: Y

CL: 1 Represents things that are longer than wide and relatively slender

• Pens/ pencilsPens/ pencils• StrawsStraws• RodsRods• needlesneedles

• PeoplePeople• Used to outline a Used to outline a

shape/ patternshape/ pattern• TableTable• PaperPaper

• LegsLegs

CL: 4

• LiquidLiquid• Represents a group of many Represents a group of many

individuals/animals/ various things lined upindividuals/animals/ various things lined up• Ex. Birds on a phone lineEx. Birds on a phone line• Ex. People seated in a semi-circleEx. People seated in a semi-circle

CL: 5Represents a huge mass of thing

• PeoplePeople• AnimalsAnimals• BirdsBirds• Paper clips Paper clips • TreesTrees• RocksRocks• Rough or uneven Rough or uneven

texture texture

• Outline Uneven Outline Uneven surfacessurfaces

• Location or movement Location or movement of a group of peopleof a group of people

• Rows of people who Rows of people who are standing/seated are standing/seated (both hands)(both hands)

(does not represent a (does not represent a certain number of)certain number of)

CL: ARepresents things that are

considerable in size and shape

• MugMug• LampLamp• ComputerComputer• StatueStatue

• TrophyTrophy• HouseHouse• Vase Vase • CandleCandle

CL: BFlat / rectangular or square like

items• TableTable• BedBed• Counter topCounter top

• Smooth TextureSmooth Texture• Continuous SurfaceContinuous Surface• Used to outline Used to outline

(smooth surface)(smooth surface)

CL:C

• CupCup• BottleBottle• CandleCandle• Cylinder ObjectCylinder Object• Hole Hole • PolePole

• Group of peopleGroup of people• Can be moved to show VERBCan be moved to show VERB

• Can show how large the group Can show how large the group is depending on how close or is depending on how close or far apart the fingertips are.far apart the fingertips are.

CL: FRepresents things that are small,

roundish, and does not have much depth

• CoinCoin• CandyCandy• EyeEye• Coke bottle topCoke bottle top• polepole

• Poker chipPoker chip• Small cookieSmall cookie• buttonbutton• holehole

CL: LL

• Hole (different in size and depth than CL:F Hole (different in size and depth than CL:F and CL:C)and CL:C)

• Pole (different in size and depth than CL:F Pole (different in size and depth than CL:F and CL:C)and CL:C)

• Flat round objectsFlat round objects• Tortilla Credit CardTortilla Credit Card• FrisbeeFrisbee Check Check• Plate Index CardPlate Index Card

CL: Bent V

• ChairChair• CouchCouch• Person SeatedPerson Seated

• Movements of Various Movements of Various movementsmovements• Cat, dog, mouse, horse, Cat, dog, mouse, horse,

cow, snakecow, snake

Cl:X

• Often represent things like a hook or hangerOften represent things like a hook or hanger

Plural Classifiers

• Orderly configuration, Orderly configuration, for example “in a row” for example “in a row” repeat the classifier in repeat the classifier in a straight line with a straight line with dominant handdominant hand

• Non-dominate hand is Non-dominate hand is a starting pointa starting point

NDND

(non-(non-dom)dom)

DD

(Dom hand)(Dom hand) >> >> >>

Plural Classifiers

• If the signer wants to If the signer wants to indicate that there are indicate that there are many things in a row, many things in a row, he/she would “sweep” he/she would “sweep” the signthe sign

NDND DD ________________________>________________________>

Signers Perspective of CL

• Various classifiers are used to describe and Various classifiers are used to describe and represent the same object depending on the represent the same object depending on the referent’s perspectivereferent’s perspective

• For Example : Corn from far away CL:1 / Corn For Example : Corn from far away CL:1 / Corn close up CL:CCclose up CL:CC

• Pole far away vs. Close CL:1>G>F>CCPole far away vs. Close CL:1>G>F>CC

Other Perspective Considerations

• Describe from the frontDescribe from the front• Describe in neutral spaceDescribe in neutral space• Describe from rearDescribe from rear• Describe from sitting positionDescribe from sitting position• Describe as if on your bodyDescribe as if on your body

Other Perspective Considerations Describe from the front

If the object has a definite front and back, If the object has a definite front and back, describe it as if you were standing in front describe it as if you were standing in front of itof it

EX: TV, computer, radio, keyboard, VCREX: TV, computer, radio, keyboard, VCR

Other Perspective Considerations Describe in Neutral Space

If the object has no definite front or back, If the object has no definite front or back, describe it in neutral spacedescribe it in neutral space

EX. ball, table, pots, pans, plantEX. ball, table, pots, pans, plant

Other Perspective Considerations Describe from the rear

If the object is usually handled from the rear, If the object is usually handled from the rear, describe it as if you were using itdescribe it as if you were using it

EX: Video Camera, telescope, megaphoneEX: Video Camera, telescope, megaphone

Other Perspective Considerations Describe from a sitting position

If the object is usually seen from a sitting If the object is usually seen from a sitting position, describe attachments (recliner, position, describe attachments (recliner, steering wheel, turn signals) as seen if you steering wheel, turn signals) as seen if you were sitting in it.were sitting in it.

EX: Sofa, bike, carEX: Sofa, bike, car

Other Perspective Considerations Describe as if on your body

If the object id used on the body, describe it If the object id used on the body, describe it as if you were wearing itas if you were wearing it

EX: clothes, glasses, mask, glovesEX: clothes, glasses, mask, gloves

General Sequence for Describing Objects

• Name the object Name the object • State the material it’s made ofState the material it’s made of• ColorColor• Use DCL for basic shape and sizeUse DCL for basic shape and size• Describe distinctive features attachments, or Describe distinctive features attachments, or

designsdesigns• Use ICL to show how it’s usedUse ICL to show how it’s used

Describing Fixed Objects

• Describe from the bottom to topDescribe from the bottom to top• Describe from the top to bottomDescribe from the top to bottom• Describe from the ceiling down.Describe from the ceiling down.

Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the bottom to top

If the object is columnar and standing upright If the object is columnar and standing upright on the floor:on the floor:

• Describe basic shape from bottom to topDescribe basic shape from bottom to top• Add detailsAdd details

Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the top to bottom

If the object is bulky and standing on the floor If the object is bulky and standing on the floor or ground:or ground:

• Describe the basic shape starting with top Describe the basic shape starting with top then sidesthen sides

• Describe type of door or how it functions Describe type of door or how it functions (ICL)(ICL)

Describing Fixed Objects Describe from the ceiling down

If the object is columnar and hanging from If the object is columnar and hanging from the ceiling:the ceiling:

• Describe from the ceiling downDescribe from the ceiling down• Add detailsAdd details• Show how the item is usedShow how the item is used

Conventional Uses of ClassifiersMany Classifiers are ASL signs

CL:1CL:1• MeetMeet• HitHit• PopularPopular• GrabGrab• RemindRemind

CL: VCL: V• DanceDance• Fall-downFall-down• DiveDive• JumpJump• Ride-inRide-in• RestlessRestless• KnellKnell

Conventional Uses of ClassifiersMany Classifiers are ASL signs

CL:4CL:4• FenceFence• CageCage• RainbowRainbow• JailJail• Eyelashes (flirt)Eyelashes (flirt)• bloodblood

CL:5CL:5• FireFire• Assemble –toAssemble –to• TrafficTraffic• WarWar