What Are the 5 Parameters of ASL?

The five parameters of ASL are handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and non-manual markers.

They are the building blocks of ASL. Without these parameters, conveying accurate meaning becomes challenging, almost impossible.

Like all languages, ASL has its own rules and structure.

One of the key parts of learning ASL is understanding these five parameters. Think of them as the grammar rules of a spoken language. 

Using these parameters incorrectly can change the intended message. It can also make the flow of the conversation confusing. 

Whether you are new to ASL or want to improve your skills, learning ASL parameters is a great place to start.

In this post, we'll go through what each parameter means and why it matters.

The Five Parameters of ASL - What Do They Mean?

American Sign Language uses the hands, face, and body to communicate and convey meaning.

Like any language, ASL has a structure that helps Deaf and hard of hearing people share thoughts and ideas. 

At the heart of this structure are five key elements called parameters. 

The 5 parameters of ASL are:

1. Handshape
2. Palm orientation
3. Movement
4. Location
5. Non-manual markers

These features shape every sign and help give it meaning. A small change in one of them can create a completely different word. 

That's why understanding these parameters is so important. These parameters ensure clarity and accuracy in ASL communication.

Handshape

Every ASL sign begins with a handshape. It's how you hold your fingers and hand when you sign a word or phrase.

There are over 40 commonly used handshapes in ASL, and many more that are used less often.

Each handshape helps make a difference between words.

Some are simple, like a flat hand or a fist. Others use more complex positions, like forming the letter "L" or "C" with your fingers.

Here are some examples:

• The sign for "name" uses an "H" handshape
• The sign for "mom" uses an open 5-handshape
• The sign for "yes" uses an "A" handshape
• The sign for "cup" uses a "C" handshape

Changing the handshape can change the meaning of the sign. 

That's why using correct handshapes is so important when learning ASL. It helps others understand your signs better.

You can always practice in front of a mirror to make sure you've got the shapes right.

Palm Orientation

Palm orientation is the way your palm is facing when you sign something. Your palm might face:

1. Up
2. Down
3. Toward your body
4. Away from your body
5. To the side

Changing the palm direction can change the word you are signing. 

Two signs can look almost the same but mean different things because the palm faces a different way.

Here are some examples:

• "Mine" - palm faces inward toward the chest
• "Yours" - palm faces outward toward the other person

Make sure to keep your palm in the correct position so others can understand you.

It's helpful to study each sign carefully and note which way your palm should face. Practicing this skill will help make your signs more accurate.

Movement

Movement refers to how your hands move when you sign. 

Movements can be straight, circular, or back and forth. It can also involve repeating the motion a few times.

Each kind of movement helps shape the meaning of the sign. Just like with handshape or palm orientation, changing the movement changes the word.

Here are some examples:

• "Sit" - a single motion
• "Chair" - the same sign but repeated once

Movement can also change the grammatical meaning of the sentence. For example, moving a sign toward someone can show who you are talking about. 

Practicing smooth, steady actions is key to strong ASL skills.

Location

Location refers to where your hands are placed while you create a sign. 

Every sign has a "home" or correct place on or near the body. 

ASL signs can be formed at different places, like your face, chest, or the space in front of you. This includes:

1. The forehead
2. The chin
3. The shoulders
4. The chest
5. The neutral space in front of the body

Moving a sign to the wrong location may cause confusion or change the word entirely. Here are some examples:

• "Mom" is signed at the chin
• "Dad" is signed at the forehead
• "School" is signed in neutral space, in front of the body

Location also plays a role in using grammar. It can illustrate the object or to whom your signs are referring. 

Always match the correct handshape with the correct location for clear signing.

Non-Manual Markers

Non-manual markers (NMM) are the facial expressions and body movements that alter meaning in sign language.

In ASL, these signals help convey grammar, emotion, and tone. 

Using NMS correctly is just as important as creating handshapes. Without them, signs can lose their meaning or sound flat. 

Some common NNMs include:

1. Facial expressions
2. Body language
3. Eyebrow movements
4. Shoulder movements
5. Eye movements
6. Head movements

Here are some examples of how non-manual markers are used in ASL:

• Raised eyebrows = yes/no question
• Furrowed eyebrows = WH-question (who, what, where, etc.)
• Shaking your head = no or not

Even if your hands sign the right word, not using the right facial expression can make your message confusing.

Non-manual signals also help convey grammar and tone. 

They can help tell if you're asking a question, giving a command, or making a statement. They also show feelings like surprise, anger, or joy.

Why Are the 5 Parameters of ASL Important?

Understanding the five parameters of ASL is key to signing clearly and correctly. Each plays a role in how a sign is formed and understood. 

Here's why they matter:

1. They help avoid confusion.

If you change even one parameter, the meaning of the sign can change. Using the wrong handshape or movement might turn one word into another or make it unclear.

2. They build proper ASL grammar.

Non-manual signals, like facial expressions and head movements, are used to ask questions or show emotion. They can even change the grammatical aspect of a sentence.

3. They support better understanding.

Knowing how signs are formed helps you understand others more easily. You'll be able to spot mistakes and know what someone meant.

4. They improve your fluency.

Mastering all five parameters makes your signing smoother, more natural, and easier for Deaf signers to follow.

5. They show respect for the language.

Using ASL correctly shows that you value the language and the Deaf community. It helps you become a more effective and respectful communicator.

Learn Different Aspects of ASL with ASL Bloom

Learning American Sign Language takes time, practice, and the right tools. That's where ASL Bloom comes in. 

Our app is designed to help learners at all levels, from beginners to more advanced signers. 

With ASL Bloom, you can build strong ASL skills in a fun and guided way.

ASL Bloom doesn't just teach vocabulary. It helps you learn each part of a sign, including handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and non-manual signals. 

This gives you a full understanding of how ASL works.

You can watch signers create and use each sign, so you see exactly how it looks in motion. This helps you form your own signs more accurately.

Some features let you practice and get feedback, helping you improve faster and catch mistakes early.

The app helps you set goals and see how much you've learned over time, keeping you motivated and on track.

By using ASL Bloom, you're learning ASL in a way that honors the language and the Deaf community.

It encourages proper grammar, expression, and cultural awareness.

If you're serious about learning ASL, studying with a full-featured app like ASL Bloom gives you the structure and support you need to succeed.

Download ASL Bloom on your Android or iPhone today.

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