CL:B
: The
American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "CL:B / classifier B"
When we use the phrase "classifier B" what we are talking about
is the fact that we can use "flat hands" (which are somewhat like
the fingerspelled letter "B") to represent things that can generally
be categorized as (or placed in the "class" of) being "flat."
For example, things like: paper, surfaces, tables,
countertops, shelves, etc.
The signs for WALL, DOOR, and/or SHELF (and other similar signs)
almost certainly started out as descriptions of what the things
looked like (the shape, placement, or usage). Then over time
the movements became widespread, condensed, and so common that a
person could do the sign "SHELF" and it would be recognized
instantly by other signers.
For example, here is the sign for SHELF (or if done a little
lower it means FLOOR).
If you use those flat handshapes to do that sign bigger, smaller, at an
angle, multiple times, or modify it in some other way to depict (show)
additional details about the characteristics of the shelf -- you would be
using a classifier "B." (Note: Some people call classifiers "depictive
verbs.").
CL-B: "Something large (and relatively flat) moving forward"
The above sign could be used to show the forward movement of a train,
trolley, barge, battleship, a drag-racer, etc.
WALL:
Also see: WALL
However, if you modify the sign for WALL to show the characteristics of your wall (big, curved, slanted, etc.) the sign becomes a classifier and is more specific than just a sign for "wall."
(Sure, a classifier is still a sign but it is a special type of sign . Sort of like a "mom" is still a female, but a more specific type of female.)
PAPER:
SKATEBOARD:
ROLLERCOASTER:
CALENDAR:
Classifier B can also be bent or curved:
CL:B-bent
ROOM:
EQUAL:
BOARDING:
LESS:
INTERSECTION:
CL:B-curved
BOWL/SINK:
DIG:
SCRAPE:
Notes:
Also see: DOOR
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