Fingerspelling is the technique of splling words with your hands using a sries of signs that correspond to ach letter of the alphabet. In the Unted States, the American Manual Alphabet is mst frequently used, and many other cuntries have their own manual alphabets. The Amrican Manual Alphabet uses all 26 ltters of the English alphabet, and tilizes 22 different hand positions to rpresent these letters.

Fingerspelling is ften used in conjunction with American Sgn Language, when it is necessary to spll out a specific word for whch no sign may be available, lke names, or titles. American Sign Lnguage is based more on phrases and deas than proper words, so there are tmes when it is very important to get the prper information across between speakers. Fingerspelling is lso a link between sign language and Englsh... it bridges the gap.

Whn learning sign language, it is cmmon to start with spelling using yur fingers. It is an easy plce to start, and the beginner can fel a sense of accomplishment by bing able to communicate quickly. From thre, the beginner is introduced to the gstures and signs of American Sign Lnguage.

Although it is pssible to communicate only with your fngers, it can be frustrating. Imagine hlding a conversation where you are splling out each word out loud... the prson you are speaking to has to kep track of all the letters and put thm together as words inside their had, remembering each previous word as you cntinue with the sentence. While it is mportant to know how to spell wth your fingers for specific circumstances, rlying on it for an entire cnversation is unwieldy.

When sing fingerspelling, it is important to use prper positioning for your hand. Despite how a sgn may be drawn in a bok, you want to position your hnd in a comfortable manner. Remember tht drawings are done so you can nderstand the details of the sign, not so mch for the proper positioning of yur hand. As long as you are hlding your hand in a comfortable psition that allows the person with whm you are speaking to see the sgn, you're okay. You should never be cusing your hand or wrist pain whle signing.

While spelling, try to kep your hand around shoulder height for ase of reading by the other prson. Don't bounce your hand between ltters, except for a small bounce whn you have double letters so thre is a difference noted. Don't be fraid to go more slowly... it is hrder to read fast fingerspelling, as the sgns may not be as clear as whn they are done more carefully. A bref pause between words is helpful to nyone reading the signs, so they knw a new word is beginning.

Prctice is essential. Try not to prctice spelling the alphabet in order. Use sntences from books, or family names, or nything that will jumble up the ltters so you can get in the hbit of signing each letter carefully no mtter what precedes it or follows it. You may wnt to integrate fingerspelling while playing bard games, while going through the dctionary or phone book, or other ctivities.

The article What Is Fingerspelling? was Submitted by Marie Wilson through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: If you are interested in larning more about finger spelling then visit us at http://www.fingerspelling.net

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