Classifiers
Use your hands to show the scene, not just name it.
Start with a simple classifier setup, then learn ten common classifier handshapes for people, vehicles, surfaces, objects, crowds, and movement through signing space.
Learn by doing first.Each lesson names the handshape, gives a simple use, and turns it into a small practice scene.
Build in order.Begin with CL:1 and vehicle space, then add shape, surface, object, leg, building, crowd, and element classifiers.
Lessons 1 to 5
Build the classifier foundation first
Start with naming the noun, setting up space, and using the most common beginner classifier handshapes.
01
BasicClassifier PreludeClassifiers help your hands show people, things, places, and movement after you name what you are talking about.Start lesson
BasicCL:1 for People and PathsCL:1 can show one person, a long thin object, or a path through space.Start lesson
BasicCL:3 for VehiclesCL:3 is the common vehicle classifier. It can show a car driving, parking, turning, or crashing.Start lesson
BasicCL:C for Cylinders and ContainersCL:C can show round or cylindrical things like cups, bottles, pipes, tunnels, and thick objects.Start lesson
BasicCL:B for Flat SurfacesCL:B can show flat things and surfaces like tables, shelves, floors, roads, walls, doors, and paper.Start lesson
BasicClassifier PreludeClassifiers help your hands show people, things, places, and movement after you name what you are talking about.Start lesson
02BasicCL:1 for People and PathsCL:1 can show one person, a long thin object, or a path through space.Start lesson
03BasicCL:3 for VehiclesCL:3 is the common vehicle classifier. It can show a car driving, parking, turning, or crashing.Start lesson
04BasicCL:C for Cylinders and ContainersCL:C can show round or cylindrical things like cups, bottles, pipes, tunnels, and thick objects.Start lesson
05BasicCL:B for Flat SurfacesCL:B can show flat things and surfaces like tables, shelves, floors, roads, walls, doors, and paper.Start lesson
Lessons 6 to 11
Add more handshapes and scene details
Practice the more specific classifier handshapes after the basic map, person, vehicle, surface, and cylinder patterns feel clear.
06
PracticeCL:F for Small Round ThingsCL:F can show small round things like coins, buttons, dots, and tiny objects you pick up.Start lesson
PracticeCL:G for Thin ThingsCL:G can show thinness, a small gap, a thin strip, or something held with a tiny pinch.Start lesson
PracticeCL:L for Rectangles and FramesCL:L can show corners, cards, rectangles, picture frames, and some tool-like shapes.Start lesson
PracticeCL:V for Legs and SittingCL:V can show legs, walking, standing, jumping, sitting, or a person moving with visible leg action.Start lesson
PracticeCL:A for Buildings and ObjectsCL:A can place stationary solid things in space, especially buildings, houses, statues, and objects on a surface.Start lesson
PracticeCL:5 for Crowds and ElementsCL:5 can show many things together, like a crowd, forest, wind, waves, smoke, or spreading movement.Start lesson
PracticeCL:F for Small Round ThingsCL:F can show small round things like coins, buttons, dots, and tiny objects you pick up.Start lesson
07PracticeCL:G for Thin ThingsCL:G can show thinness, a small gap, a thin strip, or something held with a tiny pinch.Start lesson
08PracticeCL:L for Rectangles and FramesCL:L can show corners, cards, rectangles, picture frames, and some tool-like shapes.Start lesson
09PracticeCL:V for Legs and SittingCL:V can show legs, walking, standing, jumping, sitting, or a person moving with visible leg action.Start lesson
10PracticeCL:A for Buildings and ObjectsCL:A can place stationary solid things in space, especially buildings, houses, statues, and objects on a surface.Start lesson
11PracticeCL:5 for Crowds and ElementsCL:5 can show many things together, like a crowd, forest, wind, waves, smoke, or spreading movement.Start lesson
Ready to start classifiers?
Begin with the prelude, then move through the ten classifier handshapes in order.