MINUTE:
The sign minute is generally done on the palm. You "tick" the right
"index finger" handshape forward as if it were the minute hand on a clock.
Although the finger does move, the movement is from the wrist,
not the finger. Note: This sign can also mean "moment," or "a second."
MINUTE: (variation)
If you need to distinguish between a minute and a second you can use a fingerspelled abbreviation.
Wait a minute: (The classic gesture.)
In a message dated 3/29/2004 9:06:46 PM Pacific Standard Time, OostermM@___.edu writes:
"I'm having a hard time telling the difference between a second and a
minute.
They both seem to have that fast ticking. What am I missing?"
Dear Student,
You aren't missing anything. MINUTE and SECOND are signed the same.
Yes, I know that is lame. Having two concepts that use the same exact
sign and rely on context or a mouth movement to distinguish between the two
meanings. I didn't invent the language, I'm just teaching it to you.
For "second," do a
very quick twitch of the right hand in an "index finger" handshape. Have it do one
"tick" of the clock. The movement is from the wrist and pivots on
the heel of the other hand. Remember, the movement is small and quick.
Remember, we
depend on context to make the difference clear. If someone asks me how
long it takes to drive to work and I respond "15 MINUTE/SECOND," which meaning
fits? Obviously in that sentence it means "MINUTES."
In those sentences where it would not be clear, which meaning to apply, you
would spell the letters "M-I-N" or "S-E-C."
--Dr. Bill