This section will help you take a look at the different ways you can use those classifier handshapes. The following table shows a list of items beneath their appropriate classifier. These items can be easily pictured in your mind. Using classifiers, you can form these shapes as big or as small as you desire. You can move and arrange them anywhere within your signing space. Remember, some of these items require you to use two hands when shaping them with classifiers. Think of your hands as the tools for molding and shaping the objects. In a set of instructions, the abbreviation “CL” is used for classifiers.

Remember, a sign for every word does not exist. Using classifiers fills the gaps and adds greater visual clarity. This short introduction to classifiers will give you a major advantage should you enroll in an ASL course. Don't worry about grasping all the concepts right now. The next chapter makes one of the classifiers much easier to understand by “letting your fingers do the walking.”