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American Sign Language:  Numbering for Left handed people
Also See "one-handed signing"

 

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