Handle classifiers adopt a hand configuration that represents some of the features of how an object is being handled.
cl(#): ‘to take an olive’
cl(<): ‘to take an apple’
cl(1): ‘to take a suitcase’
cl(#): ‘to take a thread.’
cl(5): ‘to open a tap’
cl(1): ‘to open a door’
cl(`): ‘to open a zip’
cl(1): ‘to open a newspaper’
cl(1): ‘to open a drawer.’
cl(5): ‘to close a jar’
cl(#): ‘to close a button’
cl(3): ‘to close a wardrobe’
cl(3): ‘to close the curtains’
cl(#): ‘to drink using a cup’
cl(<): ‘to drink using a glass’
cl(<): ‘to drink using a bowl’
cl(1): ‘to drink using a long-spouted wine bottle’
cl(1): ‘to drink using a bottle.’
(all examples are recreated from Quer et al., 2005)
There is also a subclass of classifiers belonging to this category, known as instrument classifiers, in which the handshape represents the instrument that is being handled:
cl(c): ‘drill perforating the wall’
cl(y): ‘scissors cutting’
cl(y): ‘adjustable spanner turning’
cl(T): ‘paintbrush painting’
cl(x): ‘brush painting.’
cl(z): ‘video camera filming.’
(all examples are recreated from Quer et al., 2005)