Page "American Sign Language" Paragraph 17

According to Lucas, Bayley, and Valli, each sign has a handshape ( see handshape section in American Sign Language grammar ) and these handshapes can resemble signs of numbers or letters.

Some signs that are created with a 1 handshape can also be made using an L or a 5 handshape ( open handshape ).

There is a variation among regions in the United States when it comes to which handshape speakers prefer to use.

Speakers in California, Missouri, Massachusetts and Louisiana favor the 1 handshape over the L and open handshapes, while speakers in Maryland, Washington and Virginia prefer the L and open handshapes.