can you explain in easy, understandable terms an easy way to
understand classifiers in ASL?

Hi anniepannie,

Thank you for another interesting question.

American Sign Language info.com
http://www.aslinfo.com/styles.cfm

Classifiers: a specific set of signs, which serve several functions in
ASL. Some are iconic (look somewhat like the object they represent,
such as "book") Others are arbitrary (there is no obvious reason for
that sign or hand shape to be used as a classifier for the noun it
represents). A classifier generally cannot be used until the noun it
is representing has been signed. Classifiers can convey the
relationship of a noun to a noun; the way a noun moves; and can
describe a variety of nouns.

Real World Classifiers: classifiers that take on life size proportions
and sometimes look a bit like a reduced form of mime when being
produced.

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Classifiers in American Sign Language
http://www.jal.cc.il.us/ipp/Classifiers/

"Classifiers are used in American Sign Language to show movement,
location, and appearance. After a signer indicates a person or thing,
a classifier can be used in its place to show where and how it moves,
what it looks like, and where it is located. To see a flash movie
showing a description of the various classifiers, click on the buttons
below. There are also quick time movies showing the classifiers."


For examples click on the first image - 1 CL Classifier hand movement animation
http://www.jal.cc.il.us/ipp/Classifiers/1CL.swf

Then click on Play Movie blue round button and you'll be taken to:
http://www.jal.cc.il.us/ipp/Classifiers/1CL.mov

Continue through page for other Classifiers.

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keyword search:

American Sign Language classifiers defiinition
ASL classifiers explanation
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Best regards,
tlspiegel