Signing Parameters

There are 5 general characteristics or parameters of a sign:
} handshape
} placement
} movement
} palm orientation
} facial expression

Handshape

 They also have distinct handshapes.  A flat "o" is different from a full "o."  A open five is different than a closed 5/"b."  Pay attention to how the hands are shaped.

Many signs look alike.
Note that deaf* and home are both located at the jaw, move in the same way, and the palms are faced in the same direction.  *Deaf can move either forward (towards chin) or back from chin.

More examples:
aunt - cousin
think - know
black - summer

Placement

The handshape and movement may be the same, but at different locations:

mom - dad
brother - sister
summer - ugly

Movement

Some signs have single or double movement.  Some move in or out.  The type of movement varies.

if/suppose - idea
mother - grandmother
school - paper

Palm Orientation

Which way are your palms facing?

rule - register
rude - nude
give - put (note:  "put" can also be signed with one hand)

And many are similar in one or two ways and different in others.

work - appointment  (note:  both handshape and movement are different, but are often confused with each other)

And last, but not least:  Facial Expressions