Space in ASL is used to show spatial relationships.

Space in ASL is used to show spatial relationships.

• A. Only for emotion
• B. Show spatial relationships
• C. Spell out words with space
• D. Indicates punctuation

Answer: (B)

Space in ASL is used to map out where people and objects are in relation to each other in the signing space. The signer establishes referents by placing them at specific spots in front of them, then uses those same spots to refer back to them with pointing or signs, showing how things relate—who is where, what is located relative to another object, and how actions move from one referent to another. This is the primary way spatial relationships are conveyed, letting the audience hold a mental picture of the scene as it unfolds. Emotion is expressed mainly through facial expressions and body language, spelling is a separate activity using fingerspelling while signing at appropriate locations, and punctuation is signaled through pauses and facial cues rather than the general use of space.

Space in ASL is used to map out where people and objects are in relation to each other in the signing space. The signer establishes referents by placing them at specific spots in front of them, then uses those same spots to refer back to them with pointing or signs, showing how things relate—who is where, what is located relative to another object, and how actions move from one referent to another. This is the primary way spatial relationships are conveyed, letting the audience hold a mental picture of the scene as it unfolds. Emotion is expressed mainly through facial expressions and body language, spelling is a separate activity using fingerspelling while signing at appropriate locations, and punctuation is signaled through pauses and facial cues rather than the general use of space.