1.1.1. Contrastive handshapes
The first phonological parameter discussed here is handshape. The internal structure of handshape is captured by two characteristics: finger selection and finger configuration.
On the one hand, finger selection (PHONOLOGY 1.1.1.1) indicates which finger(s) of the hand is/are active during the articulation of the sign. On the other hand, finger configuration (PHONOLOGY 1.1.1.2) indicates the position assumed by the selected finger(s). For instance, the handshape of the sign exist.not is characterised by: two selected fingers (thumb and index) and extended configuration.
exist.not
The distinction between finger selection and finger configuration is relevant because there are signs in LIS that have one set of selected fingers and two distinct finger configurations occurring one after the other. An example is shown below.
go_away
The sign go_away is articulated with one set of selected fingers (thumb and index) and two different finger configurations, changing from flat open to closed. Changes in handshape are extensively discussed in PHONOLOGY 1.3.2.
