Basic components

1. Introduction
2. Manual components
         a) Configuration
         b) Place
                  b.1) Neutral space
                  b.2) Around the head
                  b.3) In contact with the body
         c) Movement
         d) Orientation
3. Non-manual components
         a) Facial expression
         b) Torso movement
         c) Head position and/or movement
         d) Mouth gesture
                   d.1) Imitative
                   d.2) Compulsory component
                   d.3) Optional component
                          (modifier)
         e) Mouthing
                  

Sign languages are articulated with the upper part of the body in the frontal space immediately surrounding it, approximately there where the tips of the fingers of outstretched arms would reach. This space is called signing space.

Sign languages are not only articulated with the hands, however. There are other articulators such as the face, the head and the upper part of the body.

    "If it rains tomorrow we won't go to the beach."