"Fingerspelling (or dactylology) is the representation of the letters of a writing system, and sometimes numeral systems, using only the hands."
The use of individual letter signs to spell out words in sign language.
Basic Handshapes: Understanding the different shapes your fingers make for each letter of the alphabet.
Fingerspelling Technique: Learning the proper technique for fingerspelling, including hand placement and movement.
Speed Building: Strategies for improving the speed and accuracy of your fingerspelling.
Vocabulary: Building up a vocabulary of words that can be spelled using fingerspelling.
Grammar: Understanding the basic grammatical structures used in sign language, including syntax and word order.
Facial Expressions: The importance of facial expressions in conveying meaning and emotion in fingerspelling.
Non-Manual Markers: Additional non-manual signs used in sign language, including facial expressions, head movements, and body posture.
Recognition: Techniques for recognizing fingerspelling from others, such as handshape, movement, and context.
Practice: The importance of consistent practice in improving fingerspelling skills.
Cultural Context: Awareness of cultural context in sign language, including Deaf culture and social norms.
American Sign Language (ASL) Fingerspelling: A common form of fingerspelling used in the United States and Canada. It uses a one-handed alphabet with finger positions that correspond to specific letters.
British Sign Language (BSL) Fingerspelling: A two-handed alphabet is used to fingerspell words in British Sign Language. It is similar to ASL fingerspelling but with some variations in letter formation.
Signed English Fingerspelling: A type of fingerspelling that closely follows the grammatical structure of spoken English. It is often used in educational settings to help individuals learn English.
French Sign Language (LSF) Fingerspelling: A one-handed alphabet, the fingerspelling alphabet in LSF is based on the French manual alphabet.
Auslan fingerspelling: A one-handed alphabet that is used in Australia, it is based on the BSL fingerspelling alphabet.
Flemish Sign Language (VGT) Fingerspelling: A one-handed alphabet is used to fingerspell words in Flemish Sign Language.
Irish Sign Language (ISL) Fingerspelling: A one-handed alphabet is used in Irish Sign Language.
Japanese Sign Language (JSL) Fingerspelling: A one-handed alphabet is used in JSL that is similar to ASL.
"These manual alphabets... have often been used in deaf education."
"Have subsequently been adopted as a distinct part of a number of sign languages."
"There are about forty manual alphabets around the world."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications—including use as ciphers, as mnemonics, and in silent religious settings."
"These manual alphabets (also known as finger alphabets or hand alphabets)..."
"The representation of the letters of a writing system... using only the hands."
"Have often been used in deaf education."
"Have subsequently been adopted as a distinct part of a number of sign languages."
"Fingerspelling (or dactylology)..."
"The representation of... numeral systems, using only the hands."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications..."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications... use as ciphers."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications... in silent religious settings."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications... use as mnemonics."
"Historically, manual alphabets have had a number of additional applications..."
"Have subsequently been adopted as a distinct part of a number of sign languages."
"These manual alphabets (also known as finger alphabets or hand alphabets)..."
"There are about forty manual alphabets around the world."
"These manual alphabets... have often been used in deaf education."