CAL - Numerical Incorporation (Lesson)

Numerical Incorporation

Numerical incorporation takes place when you incorporate a number into a sign. For example, instead of showing the number two then signing the sign "DAY," you can simply use the two handshape as the handshape for your dominant hand while doing the sign for "DAY."  It becomes one sign, but it has two meaningful parts. 

Handshape = Number

Location, Palm Orientation, and Movement = Meaning

There are several instances where numerical incorporation is used. In this module we will discuss numerical incorporation in relation to exact time, days, weeks, months, and years.  

In future modules and classes you will see how numerical incorporation can be used with age, pronouns, money, height, special formations related to sports, and several more. 

The Rule of 9

The Rule of 9 in American Sign Language describes a rule or pattern in numeral incorporation that a number only up to 9 is incorporated with a regular sign, usually related to time with a few exceptions.

As a basic rule, numeral incorporation can only work up to 9 numbers. For number 10 and beyond, use the regular separate signs such as 18+MONTH.

Here is a guide for when you can use numerical incorporation with time. 

O'CLOCK:  1 - 9 Exact time only

MINUTE: 1 - 9 Present tense only

HOUR:  1 - 9 Present tense only

DAY:  1 - 9 Present tense only

WEEK:  1 - 9 Past, Present, and Future Tense

Weeks Past

Weeks Present

Weeks Future

There are 2 variations for how to sign weeks in the future. Please see the video below for an example.

MONTH:  1 - 9 Present and Future Tense - NOT past tense

YEAR: 1 - 5 Past and Future Tense only - NOT Present Tense

Years in the Future and the Past

Attention:  To advance in the learning objects, please click on the check mark to the bottom right of the learning object after you select your answer.  Please ask your teacher if you have any questions about moving through the learning objects.

Numerical Incorporation Activity

Numerical Incorporation in Sentences Activity

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Video used by permission from Becky Ferrell.