8.7 Better | Signing Naturally

1. Core Objective Unit 8.7 teaches signers how to produce detailed, accurate descriptions of a person’s physical characteristics and attire. The goal is to move beyond basic labels (e.g., “tall,” “glasses”) to using Descriptive Classifiers (DCLs) to show shape, size, pattern, and fit.

| | Meaning | Example Use | |----------------|-------------|------------------| | DCL: “bent-V” | Legs, pants fit | Describing tight pants, sitting position, or stance | | DCL: “curved 5” | Head shape, hair | Round afro, curly hair, bald head shape | | DCL: “B” (vertical) | Tall, straight objects | A tall person standing, a straight tie | | DCL: “1” (wavy) | Stripes, lines | Striped shirt, wavy hair strands | | DCL: “C” (claw) | Head/face features | Glasses frames, beard outline, hat brim | signing naturally 8.7