Type 3 Cross-Shift Letters
Cross-Shifts use the same letters as Shifts, but each letter is followed by a dash to indicate that the other hand is dashing into its end position.
Cross-Shifts use the same letters as Shifts, but each letter is followed by a dash to indicate that the other hand is dashing into its end position. They are spoken as “W Dash” or “Sigma Dash”. A dash symbol in the glyph equals a dash arrow on the graph. The end position for each Type 2/3 letter remains the same.
γ→α: W-, X-
γ→β: Y-, Z-
β→γ: Sig Dash, Del Dash
α→γ: The Dash, Om Dash
Cross-Shifts can be tricky to remember. It helps to first picture the corresponding Type 2 pictograph, then add the dash arrow without changing any other variables.
Just like we did with hands, let’s break down some Cross-Shifts step-by-step.
When initially learning, it’s useful to pause at the halfway point to ensure proper timing.