"finalized" signs

[Tane Akamatsu]

Some dialects of the American version of ASL do.  The double -z- is homophonous
with bent-V.  In Canadian ASL, at least in Toronto, PIZZA is signed as a
sort-of-lax open hand, palm up, with the heel of the hand tapping the chin.
Looks really odd, and awkward to sign, but there you have it.

Do people not think it's very odd that the Nortel commercial is NOT seen in
Britain where at least it would be understood, but in North America, where it
has been misunderstood?  Maybe a second letter to Nortel, citing cultural
differences, ought to be written.

Sorry Rachel, I don't have the tech know-how to e-mail you a clip.  I'm sure
someone out there does, though.

Tane Akamatsu



"RL Sutton-Spence, Deaf Studies" wrote:

> (Do I recall that ASL PIZZA uses some sort of double -z-?)
>
> oh PS:  Re this Nortel advert that uses a BSL signer.  In BSL
> used in Bristol, we use a sign VOICE that uses a 'V' handshape against
> the throat.  Just to reiterate what others have said - We in Britain
> haven't seen the advert!  Anyone fancy emailing us a clip of the item?