I think I know what non-directional verbs are....signs that are
'locked' to the body.  I don't understand the difference between
uni-directional verbs and multi-directional verbs.  Can you help?
I am a senior citizen trying to kearn sign language and don't
understand the difference.

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Clarification of Question by anniepannie-ga on 06 Jun 2006 14:20 PDT

can you just give me some examples of uni directional verbs and multi
directional verbs and their difference?

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Clarification of Question by anniepannie-ga on 09 Jun 2006 09:43 PDT

This is the second time I have tried to get some answers to this
question.  Is there a problem with the question?

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 09 Jun 2006 14:52 PDT

There's nothing wrong with your question, however it's not uncommon
for low dollar questions to go unanswered --nature of the beast.

If it falls too far down the list, you can always bring it to our
attention by bumping it to the top. Keep in mind that although there
are "regulars" among the researcher ranks that are here every day,
there are 2-300 that stop in now and then with varying frequencies. A
good time to bump your question to the top (with a comment) would be
8am on the east coast.

~~Cynthia

There seem to be a lot of highly technical dissertations on the
subject out there.  Here are a few plain examples that might help you
get your mind around the concept.  I think the multi-directional verbs
are ones that can be used in either direction such as the sign for
give.  I.e. you give to me or reversed, I give to you. 
Uni-directional would be those that only work in one way such as sit. 
Good luck.

http://www.handspeak.com/byte/index.php?byte=direction-verb

http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/directionality.htm

http://www.handspeak.com/byte/index.php?byte=emphasis

Within ASL there is a class of directional verbs. These include the
signs for pay, give, show, invite, send, and several others. Depending
on which way the hand moves, either away from the body or towards,
distinguishes between the subject and object of the sentence, which
are both included within the one sign. For example, to sign "I GIVE
YOU", the hand in the shape of a flattened "O" moves away from the
signer's body. In signing "YOU GIVE ME" the same handshape is drawn
toward the body. Directional verbs may also interact with the noun
locus system; for instance, one might set up "DOG" and "CAT", and then
convey "DOG BITE CAT" by signing "BITE" starting at the locus for
"DOG" and moving to "CAT".  (From www.wikipedia.com)