INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING SOME OF THE COMMONLY USED AFFIXES

An affix is an addition to a root, stem or word to modify its meaning or use, whether in the form of a prefix or a suffix. The affixes most likely to be needed in the early stages of using Paget Gorman Signed Speech are included in this section. A complete list of Affixes is also available.

The one handed Affixes -LESS, -ER, -ING and -EN are performed directly after the completion of the sign for the word to which they are attached. When they are preceded by a one-handed sign, this hand is used to make the sign for the Affix. When they are preceded by a two-handed sign, one hand will remain stationary while the other hand makes the appropriate affix sign.

The two handed Affixes -Y, -FUL and -LY must of course be performed directly after the sign to which they are attached.

-Y.
The sign -Y is made by holding both 4th finger hands, backs outward and 4th fingers pointing forward-inward with their tips one hand's breadth apart; then bringing the tips of both 4th fingers quickly together and returning to original position. (This sign may be used to form such words as (sunny, windy etc.).

-FUL.
The sign for -FUL is made by holding one hand (1st hand) as C-hand back outward & fingers forward and putting the other (2nd hand) 1,2nd finger hand, back upward & 1st & 2nd fingers pointing inward, with balls of its 1st & 2nd fingers on lower knuckle of 1st thumb, then sliding balls of 1st & 2nd fingers of 2nd hand forwards one hand's breadth. (This sign may be used to form such words as helpful, thoughtful etc.).

-LESS.
The sign for -LESS is made by holding either hand as Y-hand, but with 2nd finger also extended straight, thumb & 1st & 2nd fingers pointing inward & fingers forward upward; then jerking hand inwards one hand's breadth. (Compare LESS). (This sign may be used to form such words as careless, motherless etc.).

-NESS.
The sign for -NESS is made by holding either hand as Y-hand, but with 2nd finger also extended straight, thumb and 1st & 2nd fingers pointing inward & fingers forward-downward; then jerking hand outwards one hand's breadth, at same time closing balls of 1 & 2nd fingers on ball of thumb.

-ER.
The sign for -ER is made by holding 1,2nd finger hand, palm forward-inward & 1st & 2nd fingers pointing upward in front of own shoulder, then jerking hand outwards one hand's breadth. (This sign may be used to form such words as follower, learner etc. It must NOT be used to sign the Comparative form of an Adjective.

-ING.
The -ING ending may be used to form such nouns as swimming, dancing and in such words used as Adjectives e.g. dancing shoes.

-ED., -EN.
The Past Participle form -ED, -EN, may be used to form such words (adjectives) as broken, painted etc.

-LY.
The sign for -LY is made by holding both 1st finger hand, backs forward-outward & 1st fingers pointing forward-inward, with tips of their 1st fingers one hand breadth apart; then quickly bringing tips of both 1st fingers together and returning to original position. (This sign may be used for such words as quickly, happily etc.).

UN-.
This affix is the only commonly used affix to precede the sign for the word to which it is attached, that sign being made directly after the sign for UN-. The sign for UN- is made by holding 1,2nd finger hand, back outward & 1st & 2nd fingers pointing forward; then by wrist action turning hand palm outward, 1st & 2nd fingers still pointing forward. (Compare NOT).