Handshape assimilation in ASL fingerspelling ... - Jonathan Keane

Introduction Methods Ulnar Flexion ConclusionsConclusionsFor ulnar digit flexion, handshapes vary based on phonologicalproperties of surrounding apogees.This variation is similar to processes that are used to nativizefingerspelling loan signs.This process reduces the number of changes to which fingers areselected, bringing the neutral fingerspelling more phonologicallytoward ASL, without other large scale reductions or deletions.Fingerspelling is important to study to develop theories aboutcoarticulation and assimilation of handshape, because it pushes theboundaries of what is allowed by ASL phonology.