Sign languages are classified primarily based on their visual-gestural modality, which involves the use of handshapes, movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning.

Sign languages can be categorized based on their grammatical structure, with isolating sign languages being one major category. In isolating sign languages, each sign represents a single concept or idea, and there is no morphological marking for grammatical functions.

Categorization refers to the process of assigning signs to specific categories or classes based on shared features or characteristics.

Categorizing signs based on semantic field involves grouping signs that share similar meanings or concepts.

A handshape category refers to a group of signs that share the same handshape, regardless of their movement or location.

Categorizing signs based on movement often involves considering the direction of the movement, such as forward, backward, upward, or downward.

A location category refers to a group of signs that share a common location on the body, such as the head, face, chest, or hands.

Categorizing signs based on orientation often involves considering the plane of movement, such as horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

A non-manual category refers to a group of signs that share a common non-manual component, such as facial expression, eye gaze, or body posture.

Categorizing signs based on non-manual components often involves considering facial expressions, such as smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows.

Categorization refers to the process of assigning signs to specific categories or classes based on shared features or characteristics.

Categorizing signs based on semantic field involves grouping signs that share similar meanings or concepts.

A handshape category refers to a group of signs that share the same handshape, regardless of their movement or location.

Categorizing signs based on movement often involves considering the direction of the movement, such as forward, backward, upward, or downward.

A location category refers to a group of signs that share a common location on the body, such as the head, face, chest, or hands.