Definition & Meaning of "Stokoe notation"

What is "Stokoe notation"?

Stokoe notation is a system developed by linguist William Stokoe for the transcription and analysis of sign languages, particularly American Sign Language (ASL). This notation uses a combination of symbols and written characters to represent the key components of signs, including handshape, location, movement, palm orientation, and facial expressions. Stokoe notation allows researchers and educators to capture the visual and spatial aspects of sign language in a written format, facilitating study and documentation. Although it has been somewhat superseded by more recent systems, Stokoe notation remains a foundational tool in the study of sign languages and their linguistic properties.