In a message dated 2/5/2007 9:18:15 PM Pacific Standard Time,
alk28@ writes:
For dominant left handers; I realize that the books tell you to
reverse the order of direction for the signs if you are left
handed; however what about numbers. The reason I am asking is
that when learning sign language I was always taught to "sign"
as if you were looking at a piece of paper or if giving
directions: north, south, east or west; as if looking at a map.
Is this true with the left handed person also? Would they give
numbers such as the number 28 by signing the number 2 and then
move slightly to the left and sign 8 or do they sign from the
left to the right? and how would they sign directions on a map?
Is this a crazy question? I'm dumbfounded and need help. Thanks
again!
-- Alice
Alice,
Left handed signers sign NORTH using an upward movement, SOUTH
using a downward movement, East using a rightward movement, and
West using a leftward movement--the same as right handed people
do.
They (lefties) also sign the word LEFT with a leftward movement
and RIGHT with a rightward movement. Thus you can see that
lefties and righties should both simply use "real world
orientation" when signing "direction-related" concepts.
Numbering for Lefties:
Most numbers are either signed without sideward movement or with
only a very slight movement further to the left.
For example: The number "57" is commonly held in place as it
changes from a "5" into a "7." For lefties it would also be okay
to use a very small leftward movement as you change from a 5 to
a 7--but why waste energy?
Here are some notes:
Double numbers: 22, 33, 44, 55, ... start palm forward and a bit
downward (45% angle), slap downward, come up and move to the
left in a small arc (toward the outside) and slap downward
again.
Numbering for Lefties:
Numbers 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29:
Start with an "L" handshape and move slightly to the left (or
simply "do in place" without moving to the left) and then do the
next digit. For example, "24" would look like "L4"
Notes: The number 21 tends to move the thumb twice, for
example "L1L1" and/or hold it pointing somewhat forward at an
angle as if shooting a gun (the thumb looking somewhat like the
hammer of a pistol coming down twice). It is also common to
instead move the index finger as if "pulling a trigger" twice.
The number 23 uses a palm-forward "3 handshape" and wiggles the
middle finger downward a couple times.
The number 25 uses a palm-forward "5 handshape" and wiggles the
middle finger downward a couple times.
For Lefties:
For Lefties: Number 67: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 7
For Lefties: Number 68: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the right
as it changes to an 8
For Lefties: Number 69: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 9
For Lefties: Number 76: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the left as
it changes to a 6
For Lefties: Number 78: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the right
as it changes to an 8
For Lefties: Number 79: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 9
For Lefties: Number 86: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the left as
it changes to a 6
For Lefties: Number 87: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the left as
it changes to a 7
For Lefties: Number 89: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 9
For Lefties: Number 96: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the left as
it changes to a 6
For Lefties: Number 97: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the left as
it changes to a 7
For Lefties: Number 98: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the left as
it changes to an 8
Compare:
For Righties:
For Righties: Number 67: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the left
as it changes to a 7
For Righties: Number 68: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the left
as it changes to an 8
For Righties: Number 69: Starts with a 6 and rolls to the left
as it changes to a 9
For Righties: Number 76: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 6
For Righties: Number 78: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the left
as it changes to an 8
For Righties: Number 79: Starts with a 7 and rolls to the left
as it changes to a 9
For Righties: Number 86: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 6
For Righties: Number 87: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 7
For Righties: Number 89: Starts with a 8 and rolls to the left
as it changes to a 9
For Righties: Number 96: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 6
For Righties: Number 97: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the right
as it changes to a 7
For Righties: Number 98: Starts with a 9 and rolls to the right
as it changes to an 8