Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader

Classified Digits

Indexes that either allow or inhibit the establishment of communication exist in both signed as well as spoken languages. Some differ radically depending on a variety of social, economic and geographical factors, while others are universally understood. Seemingly small and fleeting gestures can determine a sense of affiliation or a feeling of rejection. American Sign Language (ASL) is a language in which nuances like face markers (eyebrows, lip movement, etc.) can radically alter the context of one sign or re-contextualize meaning entirely. The commonly recognized hand shapes that are typically used to show different classes of things, shapes, and sizes are called “classifiers.” The index finger is a classifier for “person.” This single finger is enough to identify every possible individual and also for the observers to recognize themselves in it. It is a placeholder that can be manipulated at will. For the video Classified Digits, by Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader, this finger is hurled into a series of awkward yet commonly experienced social situations.