Wiktionary:About sign languages

Like spoken languages, sign languages (also called signed languages) have their own syntax, etymology, morphology, dialects, grammar, phonology, etc. There are numerous sign languages, generally divided by region. Some popular sign languages included in the English Wiktionary are American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and French Sign Language (LSF). For more information, see the Wikipedia article on sign language.

Criteria for inclusion
The English Wiktionary shall include entries for signs of various signed languages, as well as translations from English-language entries into signed languages, as described at Translations. Unlike spoken languages, sign languages are rarely written outside of reference materials and academic publications. Thus, the "clearly widespread use" condition of Criteria for inclusion (CFI) is considered to be met by any sign that is used by multiple independent deaf communities, and the "usage in permanently recorded media" condition includes any visual media that has been widely distributed, including DVDs, broadcast television, and sign language dictionaries.

Transcription
Sign language transcription systems represent signs with various degrees of fidelity, just as IPA and other phonetic transcriptions can represent spoken languages with broad, phonemic transcriptions or with very narrow phonetic transcriptions that capture details of specific accents. One popular system for transcribing signs is Stokoe notation, designed in 1960 for transcribing American Sign Language (ASL). Stokoe notation represents each sign as three cheremes (or more for compound signs) that occur without regard to timing or sequence, using characters that cannot be easily entered on a standard keyboard (e.g.,  , and  ) and some that cannot be used in Wiktionary entry pagenames due to technical limitations (e.g.  ,  , and  ). More recent systems transcribe each sign as a sequence of postures, like syllables of spoken languages.

The English Wiktionary uses multiple transcriptions for languages that are not written in the Latin (Roman) script: (a) IPA and similar systems show detailed phonetic or phonemic features within pronunciation sections, and (b) a simple transliteration system used to refer to the term itself, e.g. in Translation sections with and in Etymology sections with. A similar approach is taken for sign language entries, using a detailed transcription in Production sections and a simpler transcription for the sign entry names. Both are modeled after the phonological transcription system devised by Liddell and Johnson.

Each sign is represented by a series of postures. A posture is a configuration of one or two hands, specifying phonemes for the shape, location, and orientation of the hands involved. The transitions between postures are given as holds and moves. A hold represents a period of time when one or two hands maintain a given posture. A move is an activity of one or two hands when one or more phonemes are in transition from one posture to the next. Nonmanual signals (e.g. the various question faces, “cha” mouthing, and shoulder shift) are described separately. (See Production, below.)

Entry name
Some sign language dictionaries organize signs according to English glosses. Readers must know a sign's meaning in order to locate its entry in such a dictionary. To serve the reader who has encountered a sign but does not know its meaning, the English Wiktionary gives each sign entry name as a rough description of postures, holds, and moves of one or two hands. Each such posture, hold, and move is separated from the others by a space and is itself divided into phonemes:


 * : A posture of the dominant hand. That is, its handshape, location, and facing/orientation.
 * : A posture of both hands. That is, their handshapes, locations, and facing/orientations.
 * : The dominant hand moves from one posture to the next.  The nondominant hand is not in use.
 * : The nondominant hand moves from the previous posture to the next.

Note: The following list of sign language phonemes may be extended without a vote as additional phonemes are identified.


 * Moves: The following entry name values specify that the hand moves differently from the usual straight, direct path:
 * : The hand moves in a round path in a given plane.
 * : The hand moves in a large angled path in a given plane, tracing a large "7" path.
 * : Along a horizontal plane, parallel with the ground. The hand moves with a single constant height.
 * : Along a vertical plane like the one in front of the signer's body. The hand moves with a single constant distance forward.
 * : Along a midline plane, like the one that divides the left side of the body from the right. The hand moves equally far to the left or right.
 * : Along a plane parallel to the surface of the body. The hand moves with a single constant distance from the body.
 * : An “oblique plane” is horizontal from side to side but sloped upward in the forward direction.
 * : The hand moves in a slow path, taking a deliberately long time to reach the next posture.
 * : The hand moves in a fast, taking a deliberately short time to reach the next posture.
 * : The hand moves in an accelerating path.
 * : The hand moves with a tense quality.
 * : The hand moves in a small path.
 * : The hand moves in a large, exaggerated path.
 * : The moving hand makes contact with the body or the other hand.
 * : The extended fingers repeatedly flex and extend slightly.
 * : The hooked fingers (those fully extended only at the base joint) repeatedly flex and extend.
 * : All bent fingers (those flexed only at the base joints) repeatedly flex and extend at the first joint.
 * : The hand, wrist, and part of the forearm twist back and forth.
 * : The hand bends alternately down and up at the wrist.
 * : The thumb repeatedly releases and restrains the closed fingers.
 * : The pads of the thumbs repeatedly rub the pads of one or more fingers.
 * : The hand makes small circles in a specified plane.
 * : The hand repeatedly squeezes together into a fist and opens up.
 * : The hand moves repeatedly from side to side.
 * : The hand moves repeatedly frontwards and backwards.
 * : The hand moves repeatedly up and down.


 * Locations: The hand may be located with respect to the other hand, the body, or space.

If the hand is not directly contacting given location, the entry name has one of the following proximity values:
 * : Near the body or other hand.
 * : A medial distance from the body or other hand.
 * : Distal from the body or other hand.

If the hand is located with respect to a point on the opposite hand, the entry name uses a combination of the following zone and hand part values to indicate a point on the opposite hand:
 * : The inside. The side nearest the palm.
 * : The backside. The opposite side of the palm.
 * : The radial edge. The side closest to the thumb and index finger.
 * : The ulnar edge. The side closest to the little finger.
 * : The tip. The end of a finger or thumb.
 * : The base. The end closest to the elbow.
 * : The inner side of the hand.
 * : The forearm. The half of the arm from elbow to wrist.
 * : The wrist. Where the base of the hand rests on the tip end of the forearm.
 * : The whole hand.
 * : The fingers.
 * : The thumb.

If the hand is contacting or near the body, the entry name has one of the following values:
 * : The back of the head.
 * : The top of the head.
 * : The center of the forehead.
 * : The side of forehead.
 * : The lower lip, above the chin, below the mouth.
 * : Below the neck, above the chest.
 * : Below the sternum, above the trunk.
 * : Below the chest, above the abdomen.
 * : Below the trunk.
 * : The upper arm.
 * : Below the neck, above the chest.
 * : Below the sternum, above the trunk.
 * : Below the chest, above the abdomen.
 * : Below the trunk.
 * : The upper arm.
 * : Below the chest, above the abdomen.
 * : Below the trunk.
 * : The upper arm.

If the hand is located in space more or less than about an elbow's length from the body, the entry name has one of the following proximity values:
 * : Out a proximal distance from the body, within a few inches.
 * : Out a distal, comfortable arm's length from the body, away.
 * : Out to a fully extended arm's length away from the body.

Locations in space are given with a side-to-side element and a height:
 * : On the plane that divides the body into right and left halves.
 * : Lateral with the breast, on the same side of the body as the postured hand.
 * : Lateral with the shoulder, on the same side of the body as the postured hand.
 * : 30 degrees left of center.
 * : 60 degrees left of center.
 * : Directly to the left, 90 degrees left of center.
 * : 30 degrees right of enter.
 * : 60 degrees right of center.
 * : Directly to the right, 90 degrees right of center.
 * : As high as the top of the head, above the forehead.
 * : As high as the forehead, below the top of the head, above the nose.
 * : As high as the nose, below the forehead, above the mouth.
 * : As high as the mouth, below the nose, above the chin.
 * : As high as the chin, below the mouth, above the neck.
 * : As high as the neck, below the chin, above the sternum.
 * : As high as the sternum, below the neck, above the chest. This height is treated as the default in entry pagenames.
 * : As high as the chest, below the sternum, above the trunk.
 * : As high as the trunk, below the chest, above the abdomen.
 * : As high as the abdomen, below the trunk.


 * Facing/orientation: By default the hand is assumed to be oriented in a natural, relaxed direction, e.g. palm facing the opposite hand, either below the shoulders with the tip pointing away from the signer or in a higher location with the tip pointing up. Otherwise, a hand part (from above) is specified as the part of the hand facing, along with one of the following directions:
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing forward, toward the vertical plane ahead.
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing backward, away from the vertical plane ahead.
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing up, away from the horizontal plane below.
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing down, toward the horizontal plane below.
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing toward the contralateral side of the body, across and beyond the opposite lateral side.
 * : The indicated part of the hand is facing aside, toward the ipsilateral side of the body, away from the center of the body.

When multiple signs are transcribed with the same title, they are treated like homographs, and each gets its own complete entry on that page.

The "Sign gloss:" namespace links to these entries using glosses as the page names: Sign gloss:FOOD links to the ASL entry FlatO@Mouth-PalmBack.

Sign language entries
The structure of a sign language entry should be similar to that described in WT:ELE. Each entry should include a level two language header with the name of the sign language, e.g..

Production
Facial expression, hand orientation, and other features of signs not included in entry pagenames are often important in proper signing. Such details are analogous to pronunciation details that are not always clear from the spelling of a word in a spoken language. Just as the  section of a spoken language entry clarifies such details, a   section should describe such details in a sign language entry. Options for such descriptions include hold-move charts (see transcription section below), narrative descriptions, video, images, and animated GIFs. Like IPA transcriptions in pronunciation sections of spoken language entries, hold-move charts in production sections of sign language entries give unambiguous descriptions that can be read and analyzed by automated systems and by humans, including readers with visual impairments. Like audio samples of pronunciation sections of spoken language entries, a linked video or one or more pictures or sketches in production sections of sign language entries can give a quick overview of sign production. When SignWriting becomes incorporated into Unicode, that method will be another option. To link to a video file, use  (note the colon after the open brackets).

Hold-move narratives
In a hold-move narrative in a Production section of each entry, postures are presented in a numbered list ordered according sequentially. Each hold appears as an unnumbered item after its corresponding posture. Each move appears as an unnumbered item between its initial and final postures. The format of a production section should match that of a pronunciation section, so the ordered list must be embedded in an unordered list, even if there is only one item in the unordered list. Alternative minor variations may be described using subsequent unnumbered list items. ===Production=== *# Posture the dominant hand in the “Open A” handshape, .... *#* Hold the posture. *#* Move to the following posture. *# Posture the dominant hand in the.... * Alternatively, the dominant hand may be located slightly above the....

Hold-move images
In a series of hold-move images in a Production section of each entry, postures are presented in a series, with diagrams showing arrows to indicate any relevant holds and moves.

Hold-move charts
In the hold-move chart in a Production section of each entry, segments and postures are presented using a tabular layout with two rows for each hand used in production of the sign. The top row for each hand represents a sequence of hold and move segments. The bottom row represents a sequence of postures. Each hold segment occupies a single column, with the posture for that hold appearing below the hold segment. Each move segment occupies two columns, with the initial and final postures appearing in the left and right column (respectively) below the move segment.


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=2 |


 * colspan=2 |


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=2 |


 * colspan=2 |

Note: The following lists of sign language phonemes may be extended without a vote as additional phonemes are identified.


 * Moves: A move is an activity of one or two hands when one or more features of a hand are in transition. Each move is fully specified in hold-move charts by four attributes for each hand that moves.

Plane of movement is omitted from entry pagenames, but if the move contour is not straight or it includes certain types of local movement, a plane of movement is specified in hold-move charts using one of the following values:

Quality of movement describes variations on the usual length or speed of a move. The absense of a specific quality of movement attribute means that the hand moves at a normal speed along a path of normal length.

Local movement is a repeated, spatially small motion of a moving or held hand. The absense of a local movement value indicates that the moving or held hand does not perform any local movement.


 * Holds: A hold is a period of time when one or two hands maintain a given posture, sometimes with a local movement or one or two hands.

A common phonological process that occurs in sign languages is known as “hold deletion”. For example, the unmarked form of ASL consists of the segments Hold-Move-Hold. However, either hold may be dropped depending on the previous or following sign. For example, when followed by, whose unmarked form also consists of the segments Hold-Move-Hold, the final hold of the first sign is deleted, as is the initial hold of the second sign. Hold deletion serves as justification for omitting holds without local movement from transcriptions in entry pagenames. So, as with notations based on tab-dez-sig, certain pairs of signs are transcribed identically despite their phonological distinctiveness, e.g. ASL, with a segment pattern of Move, and ASL , with a segment pattern Hold-Move-Hold.


 * Postures: A posture is a configuration of one or two hands, specifying articulatory details of the shape, position, and orientation of the hands involved. In hold-move charts, each posture has is specified by three clusters of attributes, arranged vertically, per postured hand.


 * Hand configuration:


 * Hand part: In hold-move charts, a hand part is used in four different ways. In a point of contact cluster, the first hand part indicates a part of the postured hand making contact with a given location.  If the given location is a part of the opposite hand, a second hand part indicates a part of the opposite hand that is contacted by the postured hand.  In a facing/orientation cluster, the first hand part (“facing”) indicates a part of the postured hand that is facing a given location, while the second hand part (“orientation”) indicates a part of the postured hand that is oriented in a specified way.  Each hand part specification can include an attribute indicating a major part of the hand and one indicating a zone within that major part of the hand.


 * Location: In hold-move charts, a location is used in two different ways. In a point of contact (POC) cluster of a posture, a location indicates the position of the postured hand.  In a facing (FA) cluster, a location indicates the place toward which the hand is facing.  Each location is given in terms of (a) a part of the opposite hand, (b) another part of the body, (c) a point in lateral space, or (d) a left-right-oriented vector.

If a location is on a part of the opposite hand, it is specified using a hand part specification, as described in the Hand part section above.

If a location is on another part of the body, the body part is specified using one of the following values:

In hold-move charts, the body locations above are optionally modified by any of the following diacritics:

Many locations reference points in space, as opposed to the those on the other hand or other parts of the body. Some such locations are in “lateral space”. That is, the location is at a certain ipsilateral offset (a certain distance toward the dominant or nondominant side) and at a certain height. Other spatial locations indicate an angle left or right. (E.g. the ASL signs and  move to the right, and  and  move to the left, regardless of which hand is dominant, and signs like  use deixis to identify items in the absolute space around the signer.)  Distances and heights are specified for locations in lateral space and in absolute vector space.

Distances from the body are given before the ipsilateral or left-right offset in hold-move charts using one of the following values:

The ipsilateral offset or absolute angle for spatial locations is given as one of the following values:

Heights are given after the ipsilateral or left-right offset in hold-move charts using one of the following values:


 * Point of contact: After the hand configuration attribute cluster, the “point of contact” is specified. In hold-move charts, the point of contact includes attributes for (1) the part of the postured hand making contact, (2) its proximity to the point of contact, (3) its spatial relation to point of contact, and (4) the location of point of contact.

In hold-move charts, the part of the postured hand making contact is specified as described in the Hand part section, above.

In hold-move charts the part of hand making contact is followed by an attribute specifying the “proximity to point of contact”, identifying how far the postured hand is from the point of contact.

In hold-move charts, the spatial relationship attribute identifies the direction the postured hand lies from the point of contact. If the postured hand is in direct contact with the given location, the spatial relation attribute is unneeded and left blank. The first six values below specify an offset direction from a point of contact in space or on the body. The remaining values specify an offset from a point of contact on the other hand.


 * Facing/orientation: After the point of contact specification, a cluster of attributes specifies the “facing and orientation” of the hand. In hold-move charts, the facing and orientation specification includes four details: (1) for a part of the postured hand (using the hand part specification above) that is facing toward a given location, (2) a location (using locations from above) faced by the hand, (3) an oriented part of the hand, and (4) a plane of orientation.

Part of speech
Each sign should be given a part of speech from WT:POS.

Headword line
The headword line should include a transcription of the sign, optionally accompanied by brief grammatical details. For example, the ASE verbs and  are directional (i.e. their points of contact may vary with the location of the subject or object), which can be indicated on the headword line with a directional grammar tag:
 * to help
 * to help

If the part of speech does not adequately describe the grammar of the sign language entry, additional key grammatical details can be given in the headword line (see ). More extensive grammar notes belong in usage notes or (for directional verbs) in a  section.

Definitions
As with other non-English language entries, the meaning of a sign should be given as an English gloss translation in a definition line. Unlike glosses typically found in linguistic analysis texts of sign languages, the definitions given in the English dictionary are not given in all capital letters.

Examples
As with other non-English language entries, examples should follow each definition to show the sign in a typical context. An English translation should follow the example. If necessary, a literal, word-for-word translation of the example may also be included.

Other sections after the definitions
Other secions may follow, as explained in WT:ELE, including usage notes, conjugation, declension, synonyms, antonyms, related terms, see also, etc.

Translations from English
For each sign language, a link to the sign language entry will be placed in the translation table of English entries, using the following format: * Name of the sign language: DominantHandshape@Location(-Facing)(-NondominantHandshape@Location-Facing) (Move...) where:
 * Name of the sign language is replaced by the name of the sign language.
 * DominantHandshape and optionally NondominantHandshape are replaced by values from the Handshapes section in  above.
 * Location is replaced by value from the Locations section in  above.
 * Facing is replaced by a value from the Facings/orientations section in  above.

E.g., in the translations table of :
 * American Sign Language: OpenB@Chest-PalmBack CirclesSurface