PocketSign
Basic

Classifier Prelude

Classifiers help your hands show people, things, places, and movement after you name what you are talking about.

All Classifiers lessons
ASL signer showing CL:1 as a beginner classifier foundation

Start With Two Classifiers

Start with CL:1 and CL:3. The next lessons add more classifier handshapes one at a time.

ASL signer showing CL:1 with one upright index finger
CL:1Can be used for one person, a long thin thing, or a path after you name it first.Example: sign PERSON, then use CL:1 to show where that person stands or walks.
ASL signer showing a sideways CL:3 vehicle classifier
CL:3Can be used for vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses after you name the vehicle first.Rotate the 3 handshape sideways for the vehicle classifier. It does not mean three cars.
Keep the map steadyUse the space in front of you like a small map. Put each person or thing in a clear spot.If you set a person on your left, keep that person on your left unless the story moves them. You will learn more classifiers in the next lessons.

Learn It

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

A classifier is a handshape that can stand for a person, thing, surface, group, or movement after you name it.

Start simple: sign PERSON, then use CL:1 to show that person standing, walking, turning, or moving through space.

The handshape shows the kind of thing. The movement shows what happens. The location shows where it happens.

Classifiers are not random gestures. They work best when you name the thing first and keep your signing space consistent.

Noun firstTell the viewer what the hand represents before the classifier takes over.
Space is a mapPut people and objects in clear spots and return to those spots later.
Movement adds meaningA slow path, sharp turn, fall, or bump changes what the classifier says.

Try It

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

  1. Sign PERSON, then hold CL:1 upright in one spot like a person standing.
  2. Move CL:1 forward slowly to show the person walking forward.
  3. Set CL:1 on your left, then point back to that spot before moving the person again.

Simple Examples

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

ASL linePERSON,CL:1 stand-left.
MeaningA person is standing on the left.
TipPERSON names the referent. CL:1 places the person in space.
Classifier movementstand-leftHold CL:1 still on your left. The pill describes the classifier movement or placement, not an extra sign.
ASL linePERSON,CL:1 walk-forward.
MeaningA person walks forward.
TipThe handshape shows the person. The movement shows walking forward.
Classifier movementwalk-forwardMove CL:1 forward through space as if the person is walking.
ASL lineCAR,CL:3 drive-right.
MeaningA car drives to the right.
TipCAR is named first, then CL:3 can show the vehicle moving.
Classifier movementdrive-rightMove the sideways CL:3 to your right to show the car driving right.

Common Mistake

Do not start with a classifier before the viewer knows what it means. Name the noun first, then use the classifier.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

Classifiers combine handshape, movement, location, orientation, and facial expression. Beginners can start with three questions: What is it? Where is it? What happens to it?