Toward a Phonetic Representation of Hand Configuration: The Thumb

In this article, we present a system for the representation of the configurations of the thumb in the hand configurations of signed languages and for the interactions of the thumb with the four fingers proper. The configuration of the thumb is described as a componential combination of the descriptions of thumb opposition, abduction of the CM joint, and extension of the MCP and DIP joints. Interaction with the other fingers is described as a relationship between specific surfaces of the thumb and specific surfaces of the fingers involved.

This is the fourth of several papers that describe the authors' complete approach to the phonetic representation of signed languages. One paper will appear in each successive number of Sign Language Studies until the series is completed. These papers deal with the topics of segmentation, hand configuration, placement, orientation, representation of analogical space, and phonological alternations.