LANGUAGE INFORMATION: MANUAL ALPHABET AND FINGERSPELLING
Click for larger image of ASL Alphabet
Fingerspelling is used in ASL to spell out English words. Each
country has its own, unique Manual Alphabet. The American
Manual Alphabet is one-handed, as opposed to the British two-handed
Which hand should you use? If your dominant hand is your
right hand, use your right hand. If you are left handed, use your
left hand. Do what is comfortable for you. These hand shapes,
along with the Number hand shapes are used to make most of
the signs you are learning.
For example: The “A-hand” is used for the signs “aunt,” “girl,”
and many more. The “5-hand” is used for the signs “mother” and
“father.” The “3-hand” is used for showing the movement of
vehicles, such as cars.
HINTS FOR READING FINGERSPELLING (RECEPTIVE): 1. SOUND IT OUT: When reading fingerspelling, don’t think,
say, or read individual letters; sound them out, as syllables.
2. CONFIGURATION: Try to see the shape of the whole word,
not the individual letters. For example: see Job as a shape not as
3. CONTEXT: Use the context of the conversation to help you
decipher fingerspelled words. For example: “Yesterday I went
to the store, “W******T”. You know from the context of the
fingerspelled word that it is the name of a store starting with W
and ending in T, with approximately 6-7 letters. Wal-Mart! It is
very helpful to use context when reading fingerspelling. 4. DON’T PANIC: when you don’t catch a fingerspelled word
the first time. Just ask the person to spell it again and again
until you get it. Deaf people want clear communication and to
be understood. Don’t try to pretend you understand when you
don’t, as it is obvious to them and leads to miscommunication.
One more helpful hint: Remember the 3 “C”s.
The first “C” is Communicate – don’t settle for unclear communication. Do what it takes to communicate clearly. The second “C” is Comprehension. Work for comprehension.
The third “C” is stay Calm and relaxed.
If you remember all of these tips and practice, practice, practice, you will be successful in your attempts to communicate clearly.
WHEN TO PRACTICE:
While driving: When stopped at red lights, practice the colors: red, green, yellow. Or things you see around you: man, woman.
Just be careful to keep your eyes and mind on your driving!
Street signs and street names are good practice.
While at home and sitting watching TV,
spell words that you hear throughout the
program. While reading the newspaper,
pick out words to practice.
Want to know the best way to practice?
Interact with Deaf people! The more you
see fingerspelling, the faster your skills will
improve. Don’t be afraid to ask someone
to repeat. Stay calm
MANUAL ALPHABET: While practicing the
Manual Alphabet remember to spell in the
space in front of your body, not in front of
your mouth. Remember speed is not the goal;
accuracy and clarity are the goals.
HINTS FOR EXPRESSIVE FINGERSPELLING:
1. Hand Placement: Hold your arm comfortably at your side
and spell in an imaginary square from shoulders to waist. Avoid
spelling in front of your mouth.
2. Speed: Don’t work for speed. Work for clarity and accuracy.
Spell neither too fast nor too slow.
3. Palm Orientation: Spell with your palm facing outward, not
toward your face. Practicing in front of a mirror will help you
remember to turn your hand out.
4. Practice as much as possible with Deaf native signers who
will help you spell correctly.
5. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
MANY PLACES ARE FINGERSPELLED AND ABBREVIATED:
Bakersfield, BF; Los Angeles, LA; San Diego, SD; San Francisco, SF;
Santa Barbara, SB; San Luis Obispo, SLO; New Jersey, NJ; Georgia,
MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE FINGERSPELLED: Months with six
letters or more are abbreviated. Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June,
July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.
TITLES & NAMES ARE FINGERSPELLED: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Kim,
Jim, Jack, Jill, Fred, Matt, Sue, Ann.