25% is found in body movement
20% is found in classifiers (English doesn't have too many)
20% is found in proper signs (what most people think of when they see "signing")


First off, I find this fascinating, that the communication is carried in so many ways. It happens in spoken language as well, but I think the percentage of communication carried in the actual spoken words (equivalent to the signs in ASL, I'd think) would be higher than the 20% you give (although I'd welcome others' estimates on this).

Second - could you tell us more about this? What distinguishes "body movement" from the actual signs? Could you give an example or two?

Also - what are classifiers in this context?

Finally - is there somewhere I should look online so that you don't have to single-handedly educate me on the basics and nuances of ASL?