Minimal Pairs

Hand shape, orientation, location and movement are all used to differentiate signs. Subtle differences in any one of these can indicate something completely different. These similar signs which differ in small ways are called 'Minimal pairs' (Blyth & Onley-Zerkel, 2014).

Hand shape: the movement for INTERVIEW and COMMUNICATION are the same, but the hand shape differentiates the two:

 


Orientation: the sign for PAPER vs. DRUGS differs in that paper uses fists with the palms facing inwards, and drugs have the palms facing towards the signer.

Location: this is the lexicalised sign for BEAUTIFUL. The same sign, but starting from the chest and not the chin, means WELL

Movement: STOP and HELLO differ in their movements. Hello features an arm wave. Facial expression (non-manual feature) is also used to differentiate the two.

Blyth, J. & Onley-Zerkel, R. (2014). Workshop 6: Vocabulary and Lexicalised Signs [Powerpoint Slides]. Retrieved from EDUC20076, University of Melbourne Blackboard Learn: https://app.lms.unimelb.edu.au/