Signs for CLASSIFIER

When one thinks of the word "classifier" in the Deaf world, it's nearly to think of its being exclusive to sign language. Even it does exist in spoken languages, it works different in sign language.

Meaning: A word or symbol that indicates the semantic class to which a noun belongs (especially in sign language).

Pronunciation (sign description): Orignally from "CL", it has evolved into a signed loanword that the two letters are blended into one single sign roughly what looks like a dominant "claw-L" handshape with the last three fingers flipping.

Related signs: WORD, SIGN LANGUAGE, GRAMMAR.

Don't underestimate the importance of classifiers in sign language. Without classifiers, your language skills wouldn't go beyond a beginners level.

To learn more about classifiers and how to use them in sign language, see the introduction to classifiers in sign language.

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Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

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ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.