SignWriting List
February 21, 2000


QUESTION 0040:

Should I always write the beginning and ending position? - I think not, but I am not sure when I should and when I shouldn't...can you explain?

ANSWER 0040:
Good question. Originally, we always wrote both the beginning and ending positions, but after awhile it became clear that it depends on the sign. Some signs require two positions, some require the beginning position only, and some require the second position only.

So let me show you a series of attachments....I think this will become clear as we go along, once you see some examples. This will take several attachments, so keep patient and I will slowly give you the answers....

The first attachment shows a sign for ANGRY in ASL. Notice how the handshape doesn't change at all in this particular sign. All three spellings below are correct. All three are the same sign. Most people use number 2, writing the beginning position only, but none of them are wrong:


EXAMPLES 0040

SignWriting List
February 24, 2000


QUESTION 0041:
Should I always write the beginning and ending position? - I think not, but I am not sure when I should and when I shouldn't...can you explain?


ANSWER 0041
Thank you for this question...it is an important one. Below I have attached a detailed explanation.

Hope this helps! ;-))

 


Questions? Write to:

Valerie Sutton

Sutton@SignWriting.org