Signotation the Musical Architecture of Signed Languages

Put sign languages, including ASL, to paper Explore applying the five parameters of signed languages (Handshape, Palm Orientation, Location, Movement and Facial Grammar) to the Signotation Staff. Signed languages have more in common with music in regards to the experience of producing and receiving messages than to linear spoken languages which proceed one vocal utterance at time. The ability to produce multiple simultaneous and layered elements of meaning along a continuum of complexity is compatible with the norms of recording music on paper. Signotation is intended as a potential tool for classroom instruction on the relationships between the grammatical structure and complexity of signed languages and the complementary intersection of ASL with musical notation, mathematical and spoken language written conventions. Signotation provides a conceptual and pragmatic framework for exploration and comparison of international signed languages and is intended for educational purposes in K-12 settings.