In American Sign Language, classifiers are special handshapes that represent different types of objects, people, or groups. These handshapes help signers visually describe what something looks like, where it is located, and how it moves.
Each classifier represents a category of objects. When a signer uses a classifier, the handshape represents the object, and the movement of the hand shows what the object is doing.
Some classifiers are used very frequently in everyday conversations and storytelling. Learning these common classifiers helps students better understand how ASL describes actions and scenes.
For example, the CL:1 classifier is often used to represent a person standing or walking. A signer might use CL:1 to show someone walking across a room or standing in one place.
Another common classifier is CL:3, which is used to represent vehicles such as cars, trucks, or buses. A signer can move the CL:3 handshape through space to show a vehicle driving, turning, or stopping.
The CL:B classifier is often used to represent flat surfaces such as tables, walls, floors, or papers. Signers can place objects on these surfaces or show movement along them.
The CL:C classifier can represent round or cylindrical objects such as cups, bottles, or cans. This classifier is often used when showing how objects are held or placed.
The CL:5 classifier is commonly used to represent groups of people, crowds, or a large number of objects. Signers may use this classifier to show a crowd gathering or people spreading out in an area.
Learning these common classifiers helps students understand how ASL uses handshapes and space to describe the world visually.
| Classifier | Handshape Description | What It Represents | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL:1 | One finger pointing upward | A person standing or walking | A person walking across a room |
| CL:3 | Three fingers extended (thumb, index, middle) | Vehicles such as cars, trucks, or buses | A car driving down a road |
| CL:B | Flat hand with fingers together | Flat surfaces such as tables, walls, floors, or papers | A book sitting on a table |
| CL:C | Curved hand forming the shape of a C | Large round or cylindrical objects | Holding a cup or bottle |
| CL:5 | Hand open with fingers spread | Groups of people or crowds | A crowd gathering at an event |