How to Practice Fingerspelling

Fingerspelling is an important part of American Sign Language. The 26 letters of the alphabet have finger shapes and movements to create fingerspelled letters in American Sign Language. Fingerspelling is used to spell out words and, in particular, names.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Become familiar with the 26 fingerspelled letters of the alphabet. Use a printed guide, video or animated graphic to learn each letter.

2. Form the shape of each fingerspelled letter individually on the dominant hand (the hand that you write with or feel most comfortable using).

3. Sing the "ABC" song as you form each fingerspelled letter. Sing the song slowly and increase the tempo as fluency is attained. For an extra challenge, fingerspell the alphabet backwards.

4. Practice fingerspelling by forming the names of family members. For an extra challenge, go back five generations and include all aunts and uncles.

5. Gain proficiency by fingerspelling entire sentences or paragraphs from a favorite book. Be sure to pause between each word to create a natural break from word to word.

6. Observe fingerspelling to increase your receptive understanding of fingerspelling. Review videotapes or websites that offer fingerspelling practice. Visit an event where people are fingerspelling, such as deaf clubs or deaf events.

Tips & Warnings

• Fingerspell words just slightly below shoulder height and in front. Avoid fingerspelling above the shoulder or below the stomach.
• Practice fingerspelling words from signs when waiting for a stop light to turn green.
• Find a deaf friend, interpreter or another fluent person to practice fingerspelling with.
• Do not "bounce" your hand while fingerspelling or flash each fingerspelled letter. Work toward a smooth transition from one letter to the next.

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