The Mental Hold-Movement Model

Let's put the verb sign WORK under the mental microscope, and we could see this Hold-Movement model (HMH) below.



WORK (verb)	H	M	H
HANDSHAPE(s)	S, S	down, stay	S, S
PALM POSITION(s)	down, down	“	down, down
START/END LOCATION(s)	chin proximity, chest proximity	stop at contact	chest proximity, chest proximity

When we examine the parts of the sign WORK in the Hold-Movement model, we also talk about acquiring them through our eyes. We are actually talking about visual perception. Our eyes are merely linguistic filters which funnel the sign WORK into our consciousness. As human beings, we acquire ASL; as ASL users, we perceive ASL. It is a mental impression received through the sense of sight; comprehension of that received; understanding; awareness; insight.

You can reach a level of visual perception that will enable you to receive and mentally notate parts of any sign, which in turn will allow you to develop unlimited abilities in ASL. This visual perception and notation processes tie together all the parts of signs, from the outer world of sign production to the inner world of thought, and vice versa.

This mental notation of the ASL Hold-Movement model will allow you to improve your ability to acquire ASL and express yourself in ASL, starting at your present skill level. Proceed at your own pace, propelled by your sense of discovery, pleasure and accomplishment. You are in complete control of the pace and extent of your training in ASL.

It is important to focus on the fundamental skills of acquiring ASL. Developing these notating skills is essential to understanding ASL. This Hold-Movement model notation will consolidate your acquisition into a seamless, intuitive flow, as natural as breathing.

There are three stages of acquiring ASL: You inhale ASL, whether acquiring or reading about it. You process ASL, whether notating or enjoying it. You exhale ASL, whether doing or using it. Acquiring ASL in your mental microscope is a very personal experience. Once you have mastered ASL, you own ASL for life.