In order to empirically examine the claim that sign language varieties in Hong Kong developed partially from sign language varieties in Shanghai, this paper examines the intuitive judgements of Hong kong signers about the similarities and difference in basic vocabulary items in sign language varieties in Shanghai and in Hong Kong. Specifically, the paper includes a discussion of the type of basic vocabulary to be compared, the data collected from Hong Kong and Shanghai sign language varieties, and an analysis of the intuitive judgement data of the Hong Kong signers. Findings are summarized and implications for further research are presented. (JL)