Phonemes
The smallest units of language comprised of 5 parameters; handshape, movement, location, palm orientation, and non-manual markers.
Handshape
The shape of the hand when producing a sign.
“Handshape Inventory ASL Handshapes 1-40.” The American Sign Language Handshape Game Cards, DawnSignPress, www.dawnsign.com/public/uploads/products/asl-handshape-game-cards/pdf/free-asl-handshape-booklet.pdf.
Movement
This refers to the movement and direction of the sign(s). Does the sign move left to right? Up or down?
Palm Orientation
This refers to the direction in which your palm faces, e.g. whether the palm faces down or up?
Location
This refers to the location at which the sign is produced, e.g. the sign DON'T-KNOW is located at the temple.
Non-Manual Marker
This includes facial expressions and various body language--like head tilts and cheek to shoulder movements