Handshape
Handshape
Aspect of sign languages
In sign languages, handshape, or dez, refers to the distinctive configurations that the hands take as they are used to form words.[1] In Stokoe terminology it is known as the DEZ, an abbreviation of designator. Handshape is one of five components of a sign, along with location (TAB), orientation (ORI), movement (SIG), and nonmanual features. Different sign languages make use of different handshapes.
The examples and perspective in this deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (March 2023) |