SIGN
ASH
with
FINGERSPELLing
Fingerspelling is the letter representation of each of the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. The use of fingerspelling is limited in ASL. It is primarily used to communicate places and names when no formal recognized signs exist. Once you know the alphabet, you can communicate with anyone else who knows the manual alphabet, by spelling out words. And you can spell out words if you don’t know the signs.
8 Tips for Better Fingerspelling
1
Use fingerspelling when you don’t know the sign.
2
Hold your hand palm out, facing the reader.
3
Keep your hand relaxed and steady. Make your letters clear and smooth so they’re easy to read.
4
Don’t block your face or mouth; this way the reader can see your lips and facial expression.
5
Pause for a second at the end of a word, but don’t drop your hand.
6
Use your dominant hand to make most of the signs.
7
Try to read fingerspelling in syllables, not as letters. Try to spell the word as a whole, not one letter at a time.
8
Practice fingerspelling road signs, book titles, and simple phrases throughout the day.
