Fingerspelling
form of manual communication, can be comprehended visually or tactually; representation of the letters of a writing system, and sometimes numeral systems, using only the hands
Fingerspelling is making an alphabet with your hands. Many deaf people learn fingerspelling. They use it when they want to sign a word but there is no sign in the sign language, or when they don't understand what the sign means. Other people also use fingerspelling to talk in secret, to help remember something, or to talk without making sound (for example in a church).
Fingerspelling is a part of some sign languages. Writing systems are not the same everywhere, and fingerspelling is also different. Different countries have different ways of fingerspelling. Some alphabets use one hand, some use two hands.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fingerspelling.
- ASL Fingerspelling Resource Site Free online fingerspelling lessons, quizzes, and activities.
- Fingerspell Flashcards Practice ASL, German and Swiss German alphabets online.
- British Sign Language Fingerspelling Alphabet Archived 2016-03-05 at the Wayback Machine Information and pictures about the British 2-handed fingerspelling alphabet.
- ASL Alphabet Image and Video Examples Archived 2024-04-20 at the Wayback Machine View a sample of each letter of the English alphabet in American Sign Language
