Finger spelling has been introduced as a structural component that is different than the visually transmitted sign patterns typically used in sign languages. In this context, finger spelling serves as a means to bridge the gap between the sign language and the spoken language. Used in the several forms of sign languages, finger spelling portrays words from a spoken language that do not have a sign equivalent and therefore they cannot be emphasized or clarified with the typical facial expressions, and body postures of sign language.
Representing the letters of a writing or a numerical system with the single use of hands, finger spelling is, in effect, a manual alphabet that has been broadly used in the education of deaf and hearing impaired individuals. In the process, finger spelling has become a distinct component of sign languages around the globe.
The most commonly used form of manual alphabet is the one representing the Latin alphabet that uses one-handed signals. Originally recognized in the 18th century by Abbé de L’Epée in Paris, France as appropriate to be used for the education of deaf communities, this manual alphabet became, after quite a few variations and adaptations for local written forms, the American manual alphabet. Other forms of manual alphabets are using two-handed signals, such as those used in the deaf communities of Turkey and the former Yugoslavia. In two-handed manual alphabets, there is a dominant hand, either left or right, on top of the subordinate hand.
Finger spelling is a building block that encompasses hand and finger movements to form words. Using a series of hand signs for letters that is similar to the written form of the respective letter, finger spelling is never used by itself, but always as a part of a sign language. In particular, the American Sign Language (ASL) uses 26 one-handed signals corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. ASL has borrowed finger spelling structures from English language and has incorporated English words into ASL signs for better and more precise presentation of the word. Finger spelling uses also initialized signs where with the substitution of the first letter the meaning of the word changes. For instance, using two hands to make a circle means ‘a group of individuals’. When substituting the initial letter with F, it means ‘family’. In ASL, finger spelling is also used for emphasis and for instruction.
In its most common form, finger spelling encompasses a complex system of movements that use controlled parameters, especially for rate and velocity. In its more advanced form, finger spelling demonstrates correct palm orientation and positioning, correct rhythm, clarity and phonetic lip synchronization. The most important consideration when finger spelling is that, the hand is held at shoulder height and does not bounce at each letter. This allows the handshapes to be clear and concise. Besides, it is better to concentrate on clear than on fast finger spelling because poorly formed handshapes may be puzzling even for native signers.
Finger spelling has introduced a class of borrowed signs that frequently represent an English word, which has over time developed an exclusive movement and shape. Borrowed sings, also known as loan sings, are so specialized that are often not recognized as finger spelling signs. Being used mostly for emphasizing, borrowed signs are glossed in capital letters preceded by the sign #.
Finger spelling can also be used to express a continuing action. For instance, to describe the word ‘working’, instructors and finger spelling teachers use the sign of ‘work’ twice in a row. This expresses an ongoing action. Besides, finger spelling may also express verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Generally, a verb would be signed with larger gestures, while a noun would be signed with smaller, doubled gestures. Although this may seem straightforward, there are cases that people get confused when using finger spelling, finding it challenging and hard to learn.
It is extremely important to be aware of the differences that apply in diverse signing communities in terms of speed and clarity of finger spelling. For instance, typical finger spelling in British Sing Language (BSL) is so swift that the different letters cannot be distinguished from one another and the meaning of the word is grasped from the whole meaning of the hand movement. In contrast, in Italian Sign Language (LIS – Lingua Italiana dei Segni), finger spelling is relatively slow and words are clearly produced.
Another important consideration when learning finger spelling is to be able to look directly at the hands of the signer instead of maintaining an eye contact and a peripheral vision as it normally happens with the sign language. However, many people find this extremely challenging and often ask the signer to sign slowly.
To master finger spelling and to become skilled and experienced requires years of methodical and expressive practice. People that take finger spelling classes may generally understand singing, but it takes a long time to link the letters together and figure out the words accurately. In effect, finger spelling is like learning a foreign language and, as such it requires commitment, enthusiasm and practice.
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