Most Sign Language dictionaries and lesson books have fingerspelling charts for easy reference. Sign language videos and DVDs will usually demonstrate proper spelling techniques. Fingerspelling charts can also be obtained online for free. ASL University, Gallaudet University and a huge variety of other deaf sites have fingerspelling charts posted and available for public use. Whether drawings or photographs, the diagrams should be clear and easily understood.
Four Elements of Proper Fingerspelling Technique
There are four elements of proper technique, both for signing and fingerspelling. Those are:
- Hand shape
- Orientation (direction the hand is facing)
- Placement (where the hand is – in front of the body, head level/waist level/etc)
- Movement (some letters involve moving the hand)
With signing, facial expression is another important factor. It doesn't come into play with fingerspelling nearly as much.
On his ASL University website, Dr. Bill Vicars, Assistant Professor of Sign Language and Deaf Studies at Sacramento State University and owner of Lifeprint Institute tells students that where placement and orientation are concerned, there is no one correct way. “If you were to go out and ask a hundred deaf people to show you the right method to sign the fingerspelled alphabet – you'd end up seeing dozens of 'correct' variations.” The most important factors are readability and comfort. Says Dr. Bill, “If it hurts, don’t do it!”
When spelling, the hand stays motionless, but for two exceptions. There are two letters that involve movement of the hand. “J” and “Z” both are signed by tracing the shape of the letter. The “J” with the little or “pinkie” finger and the “Z” with the index finger. All others are stationery.
Two Ways to Indicate Double Letters
In the case of double letters, there are two ways to sign them. First, if it’s a closed letter, like “M” or “S”, slightly open and close the hand again into the letter sign. If it’s an open sign, or one that doesn’t lend itself well to a quick open and close (e.g. “L” or “C”) , then simply slide the hand slightly to the right [or left, depending on which is your dominant (signing) hand.]
Most of the time, fingerspelling will involve a single word. When there are two or more consecutive words to spell, indicate the break in words with a very brief pause before continuing on to the next.
Keep Your Hand Steady
As with any language, there are do’s and don’ts. For fingerspelling, the key is to make it easy for your partner to read. Keep your spelling hand steady. Don’t bounce. It’s like trying to read while on a trampoline. And don’t slide along to follow the word as if it were written. The hand stays in one place and as motionless as possible except for changing shape or making those movements necessary to perform the sign.
Fingerspelling isn’t easy. It takes practice and discipline. Learning to read it can be as difficult, so be patient.
Even without an exact word match there will generally be a sign to communicate the ideas you want to get across. For those times when there isn’t, as with names, places, some scientific words, etc, or when you just don’t know the right sign, fingerspelling can ensure concise, accurate communication with the least chance of misunderstanding. With the key elements in place – hand shape, orientation, placement and movement, your fingerspelling will be clear and sure of getting your point across.
 |
