ASL Classifiers | Describing Things in ASL

Summary

This video script delves into the unique aspect of American Sign Language (ASL): classifiers. Classifiers are handshapes that symbolize objects, their size, shape, and usage. The script introduces eight types of classifiers, focusing on 'thing' classifiers, which represent objects, people, and animals. It explains how to indicate what an object is, such as differentiating a 'person' classifier to represent a man. The video also covers shape and size classifiers, using examples like showing the outline of a picture or a box. It further explores how classifiers can describe clothing and how they can be used to depict movement, like a vehicle in motion. The script encourages viewers to explore more about classifiers in ASL conversations and stories.

Takeaways

• 📚 Classifiers are a unique aspect of American Sign Language (ASL) that represent objects, their size, shape, and usage.
• 🔢 There are eight classes of classifiers in ASL: semantic, descriptive, instrument, element, locative, body, body part, and plural classifiers.
• 👤 The 'thing' classifier represents objects, people, and animals, and it's crucial to set up what the classifier represents before using it.
• 🚗 The 'vehicle' classifier, represented by the number 3 on its side, can depict various modes of transportation like cars, motorcycles, boats, or submarines.
• 👥 The 'two' classifier can represent two people or a person's legs when flipped upside down.
• 🛠 Shape and size classifiers focus on the outline and volume of objects, often accompanied by mouth morphemes to indicate size.
• 👕 Descriptive classifiers can detail clothing features, such as stripes on a shirt, using specific handshapes like the number 4 or the letter G.
• 🎭 Usage of classifiers involves their representation in movement or interaction, as illustrated in the 'gum story' video.
• 🚶‍♂️ Classifiers can show different manners of movement to represent actions or characteristics of people, like a little boy or an older man.
• 🚘 The vehicle classifier can demonstrate various vehicle movements, such as driving, racing, or colliding, by changing its motion.

Q & A

What is a classifier in ASL?

A classifier in ASL is a handshape that represents an object, its size, shape, and even its usage.

How many classes of classifiers are there according to the signing naturally curriculum?

According to the signing naturally curriculum, there are eight classes of classifiers: semantic, descriptive, instrument, element, locative, body, body part, and plural classifiers.

What is the purpose of indicating the classifier before using it?

Indicating the classifier before using it helps to clarify what the classifier represents, such as specifying that a certain classifier represents a man rather than a general person.

Can you give an example of how classifier one is used to represent a person?

Classifier one can represent a person, but to specify the person as a man, you would set up the classifier by indicating the person's gender before using it in a sentence.

What does classifier three represent when used on its side?

Classifier three, when used on its side, can represent a vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, bus, or even a boat or submarine.

How can classifier two represent both people and body parts?

Classifier two can represent two people, but when turned upside down, it can represent a person's legs.

What is the focus of the category that describes shapes and sizes?

The category focusing on shapes and sizes is concerned with describing the outline or perimeter of an object, as well as its volume or size.

How do mouth morphemes play a role in using size and shape classifiers?

Mouth morphemes are used alongside size and shape classifiers to indicate the size or volume of the object being represented, such as showing something as small, big, or medium.

What is an example of a classifier used to describe clothing?

The number four classifier can be used to show stripes on a shirt, and the letter G classifier can show a stripe down the arm of a shirt.

How can classifiers be used to represent movement or interaction?

Classifiers can be used to represent movement by mimicking the motion of an object, such as a car driving or racing, or interaction by showing how objects or people are related or connected in a narrative.

What is the gum story and why is it significant for understanding classifiers?

The gum story is a well-known video that uses classifiers and mannerisms to tell a narrative. It is significant for understanding classifiers because it demonstrates how classifiers can be used to represent different people and their actions in a story.