In sign language, the smallest units of signs are described as being based on what?

• A. Hold and movement.
• B. Only handshape.
• C. Only facial expressions.
• D. Orientation of the palm.

Answer: (A)

The fundamental building blocks of signs are the hold and movement. The hold is the starting position of the hand—the initial placement, including where in space the sign begins and the handshape used. The movement is how the hand travels from that starting point to the ending position—the path, direction, and manner of motion. Together, these two elements create the basic unit of a sign, and changing either one can produce different signs. Other features like palm orientation and facial expressions influence meaning or add nuance, but hold and movement are the core components that define the smallest units of signs.