Sign Language Structure
Y-hand
Stokoe, Jr.
Y
the thumb and little finger are spread out from fist;
allocheric forms: middle finger bent in from spread flat
hand; index and pinkie up from closed hand
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4.23. Symbols for cheremes of motion, SIGS:
Name
Symbol
Description
^
v
r
>
<
z
t
f
=
upward motion
Vertical motion
downward motion
up and down motion
rightward motion
Lateral motion
leftward motion
right and left motion
toward signer
To and fro motion
away from signer
to and fro
s
supinative movement
Twisting motion
b
pronative movement
w
oscillating twist
Carpal motion
n
nodding or shaking motion, pivoting at wrist; may be
proximal, distal, or both
Foral motion
]
opening motion of a configuration
#
closing motion of a configuration
Approach
)
dez approaches tab*
Touch
×
dez touches tab*
Graze
á,à, or æ
dez brushes or slides across tab*
Link
)
double dez clasp, hook, etc., or dez grasps tab
Enter
o
dez is inserted or thrust through tab
Cross
+
double dez cross, one over other
Separate
:
linked, crossed, inserted, or adjacent dez moves away
Interchange
(
double dez or tab and dez hands reverse relative positions
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*If double dez the interaction is mutual.
4.24. Diacritical marks used with sig symbols
Name
Repeat
---
Symbol
Description
sig motion is performed again (dot to right of sig symbol)
when dot is placed over sig symbol, sharp, staccato
movement is indicated
SASLJ, Vol. 2, No. 2 – Fall/Winter 2018
53