Every symbol and gestograph is inside its own panel, next to its classification number. On the right side of every panel is the gestograph, showing how to make that gesture or movement. Sometimes there is a 2 or 3 stage drawing which further illustrates how the hands should move. On the left side of every panel, whenever needed, is the written version of that gesture. How to write the symbols is on the left. How to gesture the symbols is on the right |
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t.v. television |
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| The written symbol for "television" |
How to gesture "television" |
Classification number |
| In many instances the written symbol is the same as the gestograph. Only one symbol is then shown, and it is placed in the center of the panel. See the example below: |
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shelter personal |
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| To further illustrate how a gesture is to be made, two and three stage drawings are sometimes used. They appear at the far right of the panel, next to the gestograph. They function from left to right like a comic strip, showing the positions of hands and how they move, to complete the gesture. See the example below: |
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ticket | |
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| written symbol | gestograph | 2 stage gestograph |
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There are over 1,000 basic Symbolvision symbols. A unique and very practical system has been created to organize them, and make them accessible. Each symbol has its own classification number, which is a set of 4 or 5 numbers. This makes it possible to look up any symbol in our printed symbolary and, in the near future, will provide a system to access symbols by computer. As an aid to understanding the classification system, you are urged to refer to the Symbolvision Classification Chart. This chart shows where a classification number or code comes from. At the top of that chart there are 4 column headings: First Hand; Second Hand; View; Arrow. As you look down the columns, you will see that every hand shape, view, and arrow has a number. These are the numbers used to classify any given symbol, and are based upon the salient features of that symbol. Look at the example below and refer to the Symbolvision Classification Chart |
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quiet silence hush |
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First Number in a Symbol Classification First Hand - The first number refers to the handshape of the primary hand. If only one hand is shown in the graphic, then that hand is, of course, the primary hand.If two different handshapes are shown, the first number refers to the handshape of the hand that is more emphatic through movement or position.. If there are two hands with the same handshape, then the number of that handshape is used for both. Second Number in a Symbol Classification Second Hand - If only one hand is shown then the second number would be `0'. If there are two identical handshapes then the second number will be the same as the first. If there are two different handshapes, the second number will be the hand that moves less, or is less featured in the gesture. |
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big great huge large |
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Third Number in a Symbol Classification View - The third number refers to the visual viewpoint represented in a symbol. Please refer to the Explanation of Views Chart. There are 9 different views. Fourth Number in a Symbol Classification Arrow - This number refers to the type of arrow used in the graphic symbol, which in turn is based on the actual gestural movement used when the symbol is signed. If there is no gestural movement, then the arrow number is (0). Refer to the Twenty Different Types of Arrows Chart. Fifth Number in a Symbol Classification This number is arbitrary and is only used in a minority of symbols which share the same first four numbers. It is shown without a circle around it. The fifth number is added to so that each symbol can have its own specific classification. This enables precise access. |
