The 5 Parameters of ASL
Before you begin Sign Language Partner activities, you need to learn the 5 Parameters of ASL. You will
use these parameters to describe new vocabulary words you will learn with your partner while
completing Language Partner activities. Read and learn about the 5 Parameters below.
DEFINITION
In American Sign Language (ASL), we use the 5 Parameters of ASL to describe how a sign behaves
within the signer’s space.
The parameters are handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and expression/non-manual
signals. All five parameters must be performed correctly to sign the word accurately.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrkGrIiAoNE for a signed definition of the 5 Parameters of
ASL. Don’t forget to turn the captions on if you are a beginning ASL student.
Note: The signer’s space spans the width of your elbows when your hands are on your hips to the length
four inches above your head to four inches below your belly button. Imagine a rectangle drawn around the
top half of your body.
TYPES OF HANDSHAPES
Handshapes consist of the manual alphabet and other variations of handshapes. Refer to the picture
below.
