| Fingerspelling
is used to spell out words one letter at a time with the manual alphabet.
Fingerspelling (also known as dactylology) is used in combination with
sign language for name of people, places, and words for which there are no
signs, or as a substitute when the sign has not been learned. If a sign or
a combination of signs can't be found to express an exact thought,
fingerspell it. This is common practice among all signers. Therefore, it
is recommended that the manual alphabet be memorized at the beginning of
learning sign language. It is also important to speak or mouth the word,
not the letter, as you begin to fingerspell it.
You may use English - Finger Spelling Converter to learn, practice, test yourself. When receiving or reading fingerspelling, learn to read words in syllables, rather than individual letters. This will help you to grasp the word more quickly. Enjoy yourself with this EFC. Need an ASL training CD-ROM? LP Group's American Sign Language CD-ROM containing over 500 commonly used signs, you are sure to learn what you need in the least amount of time possible. Click this ASL page to read details. |