BIG / LARGE:
Notice in the sign below the "L" hand index fingers are bent?
That is a generic sign for "largeness" or the state of being
big. If I use "normal" "L" hands then the sign becomes
an initialized sign for "LARGE."
The larger you do the sign, the larger whatever you are talking about.
Note: if something is "very" large, you might also use the mouth
morpheme "CHA." You do this by mouthing / saying "cha" (on your lips not
out loud) while doing the sign.
Another sign for "big" is made by forming "flat hands" with both of your hands in
front of you, palms facing inward. Move both hands away from each other. Move
your hands beyond the width of your body - the further the distance, the larger
the word described. When you do this sign with a "B" handshape, you are using an
initialized sign. Many people consider this "Signed English" rather than ASL.
But notice, I modify the "B" shape so that the thumbs are loosely alongside the
palms. I call this a flat hand, (but actually, you might notice that I do curve the handshapes
just a little bit). My point is that I'm not trying to map "B" hands to
the English language, rather I'm simply using my hands to show width.
BIG (version)
If you use normal (not modified or bent) "L" handshapes, then you are doing an
"initialized" version. This sign is considered to be "Signed English"
rather than ASL.
Note: Palms face toward each other (not out).
LARGE ("L" version / initialized) (not recommended)
