PocketSign
Basic

CL:B for Flat Surfaces

CL:B can show flat things and surfaces like tables, shelves, floors, roads, walls, doors, and paper.

All Classifiers lessons
ASL signer showing a flat B handshape for a surface

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

CL:B uses a flat hand with the fingers together. It is useful for surfaces and flat objects.

Palm down can show a horizontal surface, like a table, shelf, floor, or road.

Palm forward or sideways can show a vertical flat thing, like a wall, door, or fence.

Palm downShows a flat horizontal surface like a table or road.
Palm forwardShows a flat vertical surface like a wall or door.
Hold steadyThe non-dominant hand can stay as the ground while the other hand adds a figure.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the classifier movement clear and keep the location steady.

  1. Sign TABLE, then hold CL:B palm down to show the tabletop.
  2. Sign WALL, then hold CL:B palm forward to show the wall in front of you.
  3. Hold non-dominant CL:B as a road, then move CL:3 over it like a car driving.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill explains the classifier movement, not an extra sign.

ASL lineTABLE,CL:B flat.
MeaningThere is a table surface.
TipPalm down shows the top of the table.
Classifier movementflatHold CL:B palm down and still to show the flat tabletop.
ASL lineWALL,CL:B upright.
MeaningThere is a wall.
TipPalm forward shows a vertical surface.
Classifier movementuprightHold CL:B palm forward and still to show a vertical wall.
ASL lineROAD,CL:B,CAR CL:3 drive.
MeaningA car drives on the road.
TipCL:B can hold the road while CL:3 shows the car.
Classifier movementdriveKeep CL:B steady as the road while CL:3 moves across it.

Common Mistake

Do not forget palm orientation. CL:B palm down and CL:B palm forward can mean different kinds of surfaces.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

CL:B often works as the ground in a scene. Once the flat surface is set, another classifier can be placed on it or moved across it.