CL:3 : The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "CL:3 / classifier 3"

A "Classifier 3" (CL:3) is a thumb-up three handshape.  CL:3 is generally used to represent a vehicle.  It can be used as a pronoun for cars, trucks, motorcycles, (some) boats, and submarines.  It is NOT used for airplanes, but it is used in one of the variations of "helicopter."

See: CLASSIFIERS

 


Depending on the movement, you can use CL:3 to show the parking of a car, a row of cars, an accident, etc.

CL:3 = "vehicles"

  

 

 

 


Some classifier usages become so common that they graduate to becoming established, conventional signs.  For example: It is easy to see the "Classifier 3" roots of the the sign GARAGE.  But the sign "garage" is so common that we don't think of it as a "classifier." We just think of it as "sign."  But if you use the CL:3 handshape to show 3 cars in a garage or if the cars are parked forward or backward then you would be using the handshape as a classifier.

GARAGE:


For more information regarding the "GARAGE" sign see:  ► GARAGE


The sign for "crash" is "loosely" based on "CL:3" type handshapes.  But if you observe the sign done at high speed during signed conversations you'll notice that the handshape starts as a "modified 5" handshape that turns into an "S" shape.  But again, it is easy to see the CL:3 roots of this sign.

CRASH:



 

CRASH: 


You can use a "CL:3" as part of the helicopter sign to show how a helicopter is moving through the air.

Below I'm showing a version of the helicopter sign.  If I were to move the helicopter forward or sideways the sign would become a "classifier."  If I just keep the sign in the same place and don't add any special movements nor any non-manual markers (eye-gaze, head movements, etc.) then it is not a classifier, but instead it is just a normal sign for "helicopter."  If I do add other movement and non-manual markers, then this sign becomes a classifier showing me how the helicopter is functioning.


HELICOPTER (Version)

   

 


CL-3: "a very long row of cars"
First show the sign for "CAR" topicalized with your eyebrows up. Then show a "CL-3" and an intense facial expression and move the CL-3 sideways in a straight line about 12 or more inches.
 

 


Notes: 

 




*  Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy DONATE  (Thanks!)

*  Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."


*  Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the "ASL Training Center!"  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)  

*  Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
 


You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ 
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars 
 


Back