Binary Versus ASL: Which System *Actually* Lets You Count to 999 Without Folding Your Fingers?
The core fight is over the best physical method for counting high numbers using only fingers, pitting established signing methods against mathematical logic.
The takes are fiercely divided. Some users like 'cerebralhawks' champion structured systems, detailing methods to reach 100 using two hands for place value. Others point to the proven structure of American Sign Language (ASL), as detailed by 'AliasVortex,' which uses place markers for counts up to 999. Meanwhile, 'olafurp' argues for a base-12 segment count, believing it’s arithmetically superior to pure binary. The conflict is further complicated by suggestions like 'Multiplexer' introducing ternary logic with a third finger state to exceed binary limits, while 'lvxferre' proposes a customized base-12 strategy.
The consensus is zero. The discussion is a battleground between mathematical maximums (like 'markz' confirming 1023 permutations) and established, intuitive systems. The fault line is between rigid, theoretical mathematical scaling and practical, codified, real-world signaling systems.
Key Points
ASL place-marker system counts up to 999+
AliasVortex provided the established model for counting in American Sign Language.
Binary system supports a theoretical maximum of 1023 unique states.
markz correctly established the 1024 permutation limit when using all finger states.
Base-12 segment counting is arithmetically easier than pure binary.
olafurp proposed this system as more friendly for arithmetic than simple binary stacking.
Introducing a third finger state (ternary logic) boosts capacity beyond binary limits.
Multiplexer proposed using extended, bent, and curled states to count to 59k.
A specific 100-count method exists using one hand for digits and the other for the tens place.
cerebralhawks outlined a method for reaching 100.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.