I am currently in my fourth year as a student at Carleton University. I am majoring in Journalism with a minor in Human Rights. I am filling my elective credits with American Sign Language classes.
I have wanted to learn ASL for as long as I can remember and learning it has been so much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Not only learning how to communicate with those who use ASL but also learning about the history and culture of ASL and the Deaf Community.
I am looking forward to continuing my education in ASL.
There are five parameters generally accepted for sign. Different signs can have similar or some of the same parameters but at least one of other parameters are different, making the meaning of the sign change.
ASL THAT has a short video that summarizes these parameters which can be found here. Below are some descriptions.
First is Hand Shape. This is the shape your hand makes while doing the sign(s).
Second is Palm Orientation. This is the direction in which your palm faces while doing the sign. This can be up towards the sky, down towards the ground, left or right.
Third is Location. This is where in the signing area the sign takes place. For example, the sign for mother and father are the same but the location is different. Father takes place near the forehead and mother takes place near the chin.
Fourth is Movement. This is the direction in which your hand moves during a sign. An example of this would be father/mother vs. grand father/mother.
Fifth is Non-manual Markers, or facial expression. Facial expression is a large part of Sign Language. It sets the tone for what you are saying. An example would be, you wouldn’t make a disgusted face while talking about your favourite food.
ASL and Deafness 