Comprehensive Guide to SiGML Notations with One-Line Explanations

Below is a collection of SiGML notations used for describing signs in sign languages, along with concise one-line explanations for each notation.

Root Elements

1. <sigml>: Root element that encapsulates the entire SiGML document.
2. <hns_sign>: Defines an individual sign with a gloss (label/name) and associated gestures.
3. <hamnosys_manual>: Encapsulates all manual gestures for the sign.
4. <hamnosys_nonmanual>: Encapsulates non-manual gestures like facial expressions and head movements.

Hand Configurations

1. <hamflathand/>: Represents a flat hand configuration.
2. <hamfist/>: Represents a fist hand configuration.
3. <hamfinger2/>: Specifies the use of the index finger.
4. <hamfinger2345/>: Uses fingers 2, 3, 4, and 5 (excluding the thumb).
5. <hamthumboutmod/>: Indicates the thumb is extended outward.
6. <hamfingerbendmod/>: Adds a modifier to bend the specified finger(s).
7. <hamfingerstraightmod/>: Modifier to keep fingers straight.
8. <hamthumbacrossmod/>: Modifier where the thumb crosses over the palm or fingers.

Orientation

1. <hampalmd/>: Palm orientation facing downward.
2. <hampalmu/>: Palm orientation facing upward.
3. <hampalmdl/>: Palm orientation facing downward-left.
4. <hampalmdr/>: Palm orientation facing downward-right.

Locations

1. <hamnose/>: Specifies a location near the nose.
2. <hamlips/>: Specifies a location near the lips.
3. <hamchest/>: Indicates a location near the chest.
4. <hamstomach/>: Specifies a location near the stomach.

Movements

1. <hammovei/>: Represents an inward motion.
2. <hammoveo/>: Represents an outward motion.
3. <hammoved/>: Represents a downward motion.
4. <hammoveu/>: Represents an upward motion.
5. <hamnomotion/>: Indicates no motion in the gesture.
6. <hamwavy/>: Describes a wavy motion pattern.
7. <hamalternatingmotion/>: Alternating motion between hands.

Actions

1. <hamtouch/>: Indicates a touching action by the hand.
2. <hamclose/>: Represents a closing action of the hand.
3. <hamreplace/>: Repositions or replaces the hand to a new location.

Symmetry and Parallel Actions

1. <hamsymmpar/>: Specifies symmetrical hand movements performed in parallel.
2. <hamsymmlr/>: Symmetrical hand movements performed left and right.

Sequences and Repetitions

1. <hamseqbegin/>: Marks the beginning of a sequence of gestures.
2. <hamseqend/>: Marks the end of a sequence of gestures.
3. <hamrepeatfromstart/>: Repeats the sequence from the beginning.

Combinations and Modifiers

1. <hamplus/>: Combines multiple HamNoSys elements for a composite gesture.
2. <hamextfingeru/>: Extends fingers upward.
3. <hamextfingero/>: Extends fingers outward.
4. <hamextfingerul/>: Extends fingers upward-left.

Examples of SiGML Sign Definitions

Example 1: Schoolbus

<sigml>
    <hns_sign gloss="schoolbus">
        <hamnosys_nonmanual></hamnosys_nonmanual>
        <hamnosys_manual>
            <hamsymmpar/>
            <hamflathand/>
            <hamextfingeru/>
            <hampalmu/>
            <hamtouch/>
            <hamlips/>
            <hamclose/>
            <hamnomotion/>
            <hamplus/>
            <hamsymmlr/>
            <hamfingerstraightmod/>
            <hamalternatingmotion/>
            <hamfist/>
            <hamthumbacrossmod/>
            <hamextfingero/>
            <hampalmu/>
            <hamseqbegin/>
            <hammoveo/>
            <hammovei/>
            <hamseqend/>
            <hamrepeatfromstart/>
            <hamalternatingmotion/>
        </hamnosys_manual>
    </hns_sign>
</sigml>

Example 2: Hello

<sigml>
    <hns_sign gloss="hello">
        <hamnosys_nonmanual></hamnosys_nonmanual>
        <hamnosys_manual>
            <hamflathand/>
            <hamextfingeru/>
            <hampalmd/>
            <hamtouch/>
            <hamnose/>
            <hammoveu/>
            <hamnomotion/>
        </hamnosys_manual>
    </hns_sign>
</sigml>

Example 3: Goodbye

<sigml>
    <hns_sign gloss="goodbye">
        <hamnosys_nonmanual></hamnosys_nonmanual>
        <hamnosys_manual>
            <hamflathand/>
            <hamextfingero/>
            <hampalmdr/>
            <hammovei/>
            <hammoveo/>
            <hamwavy/>
        </hamnosys_manual>
    </hns_sign>
</sigml>

These examples illustrate how different combinations of SiGML notations can represent specific signs in a signing system.