Appendix talk:Index/American Sign Language/45BC

Use of "rotates"
Some of the movement descriptions include the word "rotates" even though there is no hand rotation in the described sign (e.g., the first six signs listed in this 45BC page). To me, rotation may be used to describe the motion in signs like COMPARE, COOK, and ALWAYS, but it's hard to imagine what it might mean in the first six signs of the 45BC page. What does "rotates" mean here? —Rod (A. Smith) 15:33, 23 September 2009 (UTC)
 * If I had to make a guess, I'd say that whatever classification system is used, it doesn't have the flexibility to include stationary signs (it only has L-R, U-D, F-B and rotate), so those are classed with rotation (although I would claim at least BOY as a forward-backward movement).


 * Yes, the rotates declaration was a phrase I chose for those COMPARE and COOK scenarios where there is no directional movement. DUCK, UNDERSTAND, and FEW are not necessarily rotating at the wrist, but the handshape definitely changed.  I am trying to treat the beginning and ending handshape / palm orientation / hand position as "consonants" and the movements between these as "vowels."  You would not have a word with just two consonants.


 * As the rotates declaration was already being used for signs with no directional movement, I didn't feel the need to create a separate "vowel" for no wrist movement. Also I could not think of a simple word that meant "no directional movement."  I was trying to use as small of words as possible.


 * As for the BOY example, I too would claim that this sign has a depth-wise movement. As this index entry reflects the FlatC@Forehead_Flatten_FlatO@Forehead description "Repeatedly flatten and open the hand," the discussion of its accuracy would be best held at the entry's discussion page. - Tom 08:22, 02 December 2009 (UTC)


 * I have figured out that "Flaps" would be appropriate for a sign in which the fingers bend / extend without wrist rotation. I will be updating the indicies shortly.  - Tom 10:22, 13 December 2009 (UTC)