Section I: Some reflections on the need for a common sign notation

Since the original Stokoe notation, many new variants and transcription systems have been proposed: currently, HamNoSys and Stokoe derivatives are most widespread. Sign language research is in real need of a standard of its own. Exchanging data in a standard notation should save authors the time and effort needed to produce photographs, drawings or video captures illustrating data and should allow researchers to present in an explicit form the aspects of the data that are truly relevant for their purposes. Since a notation extracts from the raw data what is of interest to the researcher, it is bound to reflect certain analytical assumptions and prejudices. To maximize a notation’s usefulness, a permanent process of discussion and revision is thus necessary. Particular issues that must be dealt with in designing a sign language notation system include the distinction “internal” vs. “external” descriptions, non-manuals and simultaneous use of two hands.