Handshape

One of the five fundamental parameters of sign language phonology, referring to the specific configuration or shape of the hand(s) when producing a sign. Handshapes are a primary way signs are distinguished from one another and are commonly used as an organizational principle in sign language dictionaries, analogous to alphabetical ordering in spoken language dictionaries. In American Sign Language, there are over 80 distinct handshapes. Handshape-based browsing and filtering is a key feature of accessible sign language lookup tools, allowing users to narrow their search when they can identify the hand configuration but not the meaning of a sign.