The phonology of sign language includes handshape, location, orientation, movement, and facial expression. It is the different combinations of these elements that make up a single sign.
In BSL, there are approximately 40 different handshapes that are used, compared to only 18 in ASL. Common handshapes are:
Pointing the index finger (typically representing a person, e.g. 'meet' or 'follow')
A flat hand (resembling a flat surface, e.g. 'door' or 'table')
A 'V' shape (representing two legs or a pair of eyes, e.g. 'walk' or 'watch')
A thumbs up (meaning something positive, e.g. 'good' or 'favourite')
The little finger (meaning something negative, e.g. 'bad' or 'swear'
For more on this, visit https://bsl.surrey.ac.uk/principles/i-hand-shapes
The location of one or both hands is also integral to the meaning. This could be on the face, a part of your body, or held out either palm up, or palm down. The location will typically depend on the meaning and context of the sign. Along with this, the orientation and movement of your hand will produce different signs.
Finger spelling is a common way to give signs to place names, or novel terms for which there is no universal sign (such as scientific terminology). For words that are longer than three letters, it is perfect;y fine to use abbreviations in the finger spelling, and in most cases this is how they are universally signed. Abbreviations can be in the form of the first and last letter (e.g. Bristol), first and second letters (e.g. Aberdeen), or the first letters of each syllable (e.g. Manchester, signed 'M', 'C'). So, the signs for many place names are almost like post codes.
Facial expressions are also an important part of sign languages. It is common to match our facial expression with the emotion we are expressing, or to indicate that we are asking a question, just as you would alter your tone when speaking. This is also very useful to distinguish between similar signs, or signs that have the same movement.
It is important to remember that not executing one aspect of these correctly can change what you are trying to say and cause confusion. For identical signs, it is helpful to use your facial expressions to express what you are saying, but many of us would naturally do that anyway.
Comments