The American Sign Language letter "F":
QUESTION:
An American Sign Language instructor / researcher writes:
"Would you say there is (or is not) a barely discernable
difference between the letter F and the sign for 9?
If you say there is a difference, how do you explain it to your students?
Whether there is a slight difference of not - during rapid signing I would say
the signer does not always make the F and the 9 perfectly so the difference
becomes a moot point, and/or the difference is so slight that it is not
discernable."
RESPONSE:
People are diverse -- and imperfect. Some people will learn a handshape a
certain way and fossilize it. In the mind of such a person the handshape
upon which they have fossilized is "the" right way. Some people have
decided and continue to believe that an "F" is done one way and a "9" is done
differently.
Other people will claim there is no difference.
Both are right -- but at different times.
Observation informs us:
In general both "F" and "9" are signed by forming a circle using the
thumb and index fingers.
Often "F" and "9" are produced exactly the same.
Other times "F" and "9" are produced differently.
Let's consider some of the differences and when such differences occur.
Fingerspell the following words three times quickly:
afar, affix, afire
afar, affix, afire
afar, affix, afire
Now notice how your thumb tends to make contact with the side of your index
finger while doing the "F" in those words?
When other fingerspelled letters precede or follow the letter "F" and/or the
number "9" the preceding and following letters or numbers influence the shape
and/or production (orientation, movement path, duration, speed, etc.) of the
letter "F" and/or the number "9."
Spelling an "A" just before spelling an "F" influences the "F" via the process
of "assimilation." The "F" hand assimilates some of the characteristics of
the "A" hand because doing so is efficient and faster.
Next: Spell this three times fast: SF, SF, SF
When we sign "San Francisco" (via spelling SF) we tend to leave the index finger
curled up (left over from doing the letter "S") and the thumb is in front of the
finger.
The number "9" has a movement variation that the letter "F" does not. The
number 9 when done in isolation can be reformed which is to say, it can have
internal movement. The internal movement version consists of tapping the
tips of the index finger and thumb. This "tapping" version is not seen in
the letter "F." Thus if you need to sign a password or serial number
including both an "F" and a "9" you can do so by doing a typical "F" and then
use the "tapped" version of a "9." (This works well for "W6" too.)
It is important to mention though that the "tapping" version of "9" is a
variation -- not the "only" way to do it (and the tapped version is certainly
not used when signing larger [multi-digit] numbers).
Another difference happens when we consider double letter or double number
versions.
When signing 99 the palm orientation changes from palm forward to palm down and
then the hand does a small arc toward the dominant side (ending palm down).
A double "FF" doesn't do the downward palm orientation (or at least not to the
extent that we see it in the number "99." Thus we can sign "99
French Fries" without too much confusion. The isolated "FF" uses a slight
forward jab (palm forward) arcs backward, to the dominant side, and forward
again to show the second "F." However a double "F" occurring at the end of
word tends to slide (a very short distance to the dominant side). For
example, spell OFF and/or CLIFF.
Next, sign the year"1999."
If you are using the version that uses a "10" as the beginning handshape you
will notice the same type of thumb variation as occurs when spelling words like
"afar / afire."
Worth mentioning here is that 9 has variations of internal movement we typically
do not see in "F." For example, in some regions we see the number 19
expressed via rubbing (twice) the thumb-side of the distal (far) knuckle of the
index finger on the pad of the thumb. Also when incorporating "9" into the
numbers 67, 68, 69, 96, 97, and 98 -- we tend to incorporate a side to side
pivot of the wrist from the 6 toward the higher digit.
* The meaning of any particular circled index finger and thumb handshape (and
whether it is is an "F," a "9," a depictive handshape, an English
initialization, or an arbitrary (non-morphemic) handshape simply used for
articulation of a sign) can only be determined with any confidence via context.
* The exact position of the index and thumb of an "F" and "9" varies due to
coarticulation.
* Some people promote the idea that there is a consistent difference between an
"F" and a "9" and that the difference consists of the "F" being done by touching
the tip of the index finger to the "pad" of the thumb and the "9" using more of
a pad to pad touch. This is likely due to the occasional use of the version of
"9" that uses an internal movement consisting of a double tap -- which is a form
of coarticulation that tends to cause more of a pad to pad contact. Thus "one"
of the permutations of "9" does indeed have of a pad to pad contact whereas such
pad to pad contact is rarely used for the letter "F." (However it does occur,
for example: BFF).
* As a teacher do not waste time misinforming students that an "F" is
fundamentally somehow different from a "9." Instead inform our students that in
general "F's" and "9's" tend to look like a circled index and thumb with the
other fingers straight and (typically) spread somewhat.
Also see: COARTICULATION
Notes:
Regarding the similarity and/or differences between “9” and “F.”
In American Sign Language, the number "9" and the letter "F" are generally
signed the same but there are occasional differences. For example: The number 9
is sometimes tapped: The index and thumb come together twice. The tap will
generally not show up in double or higher digit numbers. Nor will the tap show
up if you are quickly counting in a series (for example: 1, 2, 3, 4...9, 10, 11)
etc. Often though -- when done in isolation -- the number 9 uses a double tap.
The same goes for numbers 6, 7, and 8. These numbers are not always tapped when
done in isolation – but often enough that it is considered a “standard method”
for those times when you are signing in a clear and deliberate way.
The number 9 is formed differently when signing "9 o'clock" (the tip of the
thumb and index touch) than when signing the year 1954 (the pad of the thumb
touches the side of the index finger).
Also, the handshape of the letter F will change depending on the preceding
letter. (This is true of many fingerspelled letters). Try spelling "Africa" and
notice how the "F" looks like the "9" did when signing 1954. Then compare that
to the "F" shape when spelling "NFL." The thumb placement is totally different
for the "F" in Africa vs the "F" in NFL. Now do the abbreviation for San
Francisco ("SF"). The thumb placement is quite different again.
For most everyday purposes the number "9" and the letter "F" can be thought of
as sharing the same basic handshape -- however that handshape does vary slightly
according to context.
- Dr. Bill
Notes:
For a very large version of the "F" graphic, click on this thumbnail: