One of the most powerful features of American Sign Language is the use of classifiers. Classifiers allow signers to visually represent objects, people, movement, and location. Instead of using many separate signs, a signer can show information in a visual and efficient way.
Classifiers are special handshapes that represent categories of objects or actions. When a classifier is used, the handshape represents the object, the movement shows the action, and the location in space shows where something is happening.
Because ASL is a visual language, classifiers are an important tool for storytelling, descriptions, and everyday conversations.
However, classifiers are not all the same. There are several different types of classifiers in ASL, and each type serves a different purpose.
Semantic classifiers represent categories of objects or people. These are often the first classifiers students learn.
For example:
CL:1 is commonly used to represent a person standing or walking.
CL:3 is often used to represent vehicles such as cars or trucks.
CL:5 may represent groups or crowds of people.
These classifiers allow signers to show how objects or people move through space.
Example:
A signer can use CL:3 to show a car driving down a road or turning at an intersection.
Descriptive classifiers are used to show the size, shape, or appearance of something.
These classifiers help create a visual picture for the viewer.
For example, a signer might use their hands to show:
• the size of a large fish
• the round shape of a ball
• the width of a table
Descriptive classifiers help viewers understand what something looks like.
Instrument classifiers show how an object is being handled or used.
In this case, the classifier represents the hand interacting with the object.
Examples include:
• holding a cup
• writing with a pen
• turning a key
• using scissors
These classifiers help show how a person is using an object.
Body classifiers represent body parts or body positions. These classifiers help describe posture or movement.
Examples include showing:
• a person walking
• someone sitting in a chair
• someone lying on the ground
• someone falling
Body classifiers are commonly used when describing actions involving the human body.
Locative classifiers show where objects are located in space. They help describe the relationship between objects.
For example, a signer might show:
• a book sitting on a table
• a car parked next to another car
• a cup placed on a counter
Using space clearly helps the viewer understand where objects are located.
Classifiers are an important part of ASL because they allow signers to show information visually instead of explaining it with many words.
They help describe:
• movement
• location
• size and shape
• actions
• relationships between objects
As students continue learning ASL, understanding classifiers will help them become more expressive signers and better visual storytellers.
| Classifier Type | What It Shows | What It Represents | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semantic Classifiers (SCL) | Categories of objects or people | The object itself | CL:3 representing a car driving |
| Descriptive Classifiers (DCL) | Size, shape, or appearance | What something looks like | Showing the size of a fish with both hands |
| Instrument Classifiers (ICL) | How an object is handled or used | A hand interacting with an object | Showing someone holding a cup |
| Body Classifiers (BCL) | Body parts or body positions | Movement or posture of a person or animal | Showing someone sitting or walking |
| Locative Classifiers (LCL) | Where objects are located in space | Relationship between objects | Showing a book placed on a table |