American Sign Language: "star" STAR: DISCUSSION: STAR In a message dated 3/10/2006 8:59:06 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, veryfunnie@ writes: I want to clarify to see if star and socks differ in LOCATION (parameters) since someone said it is a MOVEMENT difference. Who is right? Thanks in advance. Dear Student, There are two main differences between STARS and SOCKS: Location: STARS is done at around face level, whereas SOCKS is done near belly button level. Additionally, there is a difference in the parameter known as "palm orientation." Orientation: STARS is palm forward, whereas SOCKS is palm backward/downward. The "movement" is essentially the same, however it might be argued that the sign STARS uses a (slightly) larger movement and or tends to be inflected more than SOCKS. Often you will see people signing STARS using a repetitive movement while sweeping it through the air (as if to show "many stars in the sky). Additionally, we tend to use "eye gaze" much more with the sign "STARS" than we do SOCKS -- look at the sign STARS and/or look toward the "stars" while doing the sign STARS much more so than we look at the sign SOCKS or look toward our feet while doing the sign SOCKS. Also from time to time you will notice some people opening their mouths in a shape that looks as if they are pronouncing the first three letters of the English word "stars." I rarely see people mouthing the word "socks" while doing the sign "SOCKS." Cordially, Dr. Bill You can learn sign language online at American Sign Language University ™ hosted by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

In a message dated 3/10/2006 8:59:06 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, veryfunnie@ writes:

I want to clarify to see if star and socks differ in LOCATION (parameters) since someone said it is a MOVEMENT difference. Who is right? Thanks in advance.

Location: STARS is done at around face level, whereas SOCKS is done near belly button level.
Additionally, there is a difference in the parameter known as "palm orientation."
Orientation: STARS is palm forward, whereas SOCKS is palm backward/downward.

The "movement" is essentially the same, however it might be argued that the sign STARS uses a (slightly) larger movement and or tends to be inflected more than SOCKS. Often you will see people signing STARS using a repetitive movement while sweeping it through the air (as if to show "many stars in the sky). Additionally, we tend to use "eye gaze" much more with the sign "STARS" than we do SOCKS -- look at the sign STARS and/or look toward the "stars" while doing the sign STARS much more so than we look at the sign SOCKS or look toward our feet while doing the sign SOCKS.
Also from time to time you will notice some people opening their mouths in a shape that looks as if they are pronouncing the first three letters of the English word "stars." I rarely see people mouthing the word "socks" while doing the sign "SOCKS."
Cordially,
Dr. Bill

American Sign Language: "star"