CAL - Cardinal vs. Ordinal Numbers (Lesson)

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Cardinal numbers tell how many of something; they show quantity. Ordinal numbers tell the order of how things are set; they show the position or the rank of something.

As a reminder, for cardinal numbers 1 - 5, you will follow the rules for numbers. 

# 1 – 5 are signed palm in

EXCEPT

  1. Currency
  2. Age
  3. Time
  4. Series of numbers (Phone Number or Social Security number)

In ASL, ordinal numbers are used for referencing things such as an ordered list, winning places, positions, and prizes or scores in sports or other contests.  There are several ways that ordinal numbers can be signed. In this unit, we will focus on using ordinal numbers associated with dates, such as July 4th or January 1st.  The signs are produced with an inward twisting movement. 

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