In this article we describe a componential, articulatory approach to the phonetic description of the configuration of the four fingers. Abandoning the traditional holistic, perceptual approach, we propose a system of notational devices and distinctive features for the description of the four fingers proper (index, middle, ring, and pinky).…

Comparison of Indian rural and urban sign languages of the deaf found that the urban form transmitted information primarily by means of appeal to a shared linguistic code, and the rural form mainly by appeal to communal nonlinguistic knowledge. Both languages employed effective and appropriate means given their environments. (23 references)…

Describes single finger sign contact in data from ten different sign languages. The relative frequencies of signs using each of the four possible fingers are examined. Proposes distinctive features to explain the differences in frequency and use of these handshapes in sign languages in general. (Author/LMO)