1.4.2. Asymmetrical signs
In asymmetrical two-handed signs, the two hands have different functions: the dominant one acts as active articulator, whereas the non-dominant one functions as place of articulation.
In order to capture the correct articulation of this class of signs, it is important to identify the specific location of the non-dominant hand in which the sign is articulated and the handshape assumed by it. As previously discussed (PHONOLOGY 1.2), the possible location specifications of the non-dominant hand are back, palm, radial, and tips. The existence of minimal pairs differing in these specifications show that they are phonologically distinctive. The handshape of the non-dominant hand can either be identical to the handshape of the dominant hand or different from it. For example, in the sign minute both hands assume the F handshape, whereas in the sign potato the dominant and the non-dominant hand assume different handshapes, F and unspread 5, respectively.
a. minute (same handshape)
b. potato (different handshape)
It should be noted that when the two hands share the same handshape, a large set of possible handshapes is available. On the contrary, when the two hands assume different shapes, the handshape of the non-dominant hand is restricted to a limited set of options, which are reported below.
Table: Non-dominant handshapes allowed in asymmetrical two-handed signs
In most asymmetrical two-handed signs, the non-dominant hand assumes either one of these two handshapes: unspread 5 or closed 5. For example, the non-dominant hand assumes the unspread 5 handshape in the signs cheese (a) and half (b) and the closed 5 handshape in the signs family (c) and work(d).
a. cheese (unspread 5)
b. half (unspread 5)
c. family (closed 5)
d. work (closed 5)
Although less common, other handshapes are also attested: spread 5 (e.g. marriage), curved closed 5 (e.g. hole), curved open 5 (e.g. tea), and G (e.g. antenna).
a. marriage (spread 5)
b. hole (curvedclosed 5)
c. tea (curved open 5)
d. antenna (G)
