fingerspelling

Everyday

1. Fingerspelling is spelling out words letter by letter with hand shapes, as part of a sign language. tree →
2. It is used for names, places and words that have no sign of their own. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about deaf people, sign language and inclusion, pupils learn to fingerspell their names. British Sign Language uses two hands for fingerspelling; American Sign Language uses one hand. Phrases: «fingerspell your name», «the fingerspelling alphabet».

Examples

• We learned fingerspelling in assembly. tree →
• I can fingerspell my name in British Sign Language. tree →
• Fingerspelling is used for names that have no sign. tree →
• In American Sign Language, fingerspelling uses one hand. tree →
• British fingerspelling uses both hands. tree →
• She fingerspelled the word «cat» slowly so I could follow. tree →
• A poster of the fingerspelling alphabet hangs in our classroom. tree →
• Fingerspelling fast takes lots of practice. tree →

Note

Often written as one word, sometimes «finger spelling». Fingerspelling is only one part of sign language; most words have their own whole signs. Sign languages differ between countries, so BSL and ASL are not the same.