fingerspell
Hand-shape each letter
Fingerspell is to spell out words letter by letter using hand shapes, a technique used in sign languages when no established sign exists for a term—typically for proper names, technical vocabulary, or unfamiliar words: She fingerspelled the patient's name.
Each letter corresponds to a specific hand configuration in the manual alphabet.
Language's letter system
- literacyAbility to read, write
- vocabularyOne's word collection
- instructionGuidance for action
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
drills · word recognition · bilingual education · deaf education · immersion · tutoring · curriculum · pedagogy
Manual visual communication system
- BSLBritish sign language
- signerOne who writes authorization
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
- visual languageMeaning through images
name signs · borrowed words · proper nouns · technical terms · abbreviations
Fine motor control
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- nimblenessEase of quick movement
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- muscle memoryAutomatic physical skill retention
fluency · control · handedness · manual dexterity · speed · accuracy
Finger positioning in signing
- letter formationShaping written symbols
- movementChange in position
- non-dominant handLess-used manual limb
- clarityState of being understandable
speed · rhythm · transitions · articulation · positioning · letter tracing
Social world of the hearing-impaired
- inclusionBeing made part
- relay serviceAssisted communication channel
- captioningAdding text to media
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
advocacy · awareness · equal access · assistive technology · CART · real-time translation · inclusive design
alphabet
Language's letter system
- literacyAbility to read, write
- vocabularyOne's word collection
- instructionGuidance for action
practice · drills · word recognition · bilingual education · deaf education · immersion · tutoring · curriculum · pedagogy
ASL
Manual visual communication system
- BSLBritish sign language
- signerOne who writes authorization
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
visual language · name signs · borrowed words · proper nouns · technical terms · abbreviations
hand coordination
Fine motor control
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- nimblenessEase of quick movement
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
muscle memory · fluency · control · handedness · manual dexterity · speed · accuracy
handshape
Finger positioning in signing
- letter formationShaping written symbols
- movementChange in position
- non-dominant handLess-used manual limb
clarity · speed · rhythm · transitions · articulation · positioning · letter tracing
deaf culture
Social world of the hearing-impaired
- inclusionBeing made part
- relay serviceAssisted communication channel
- captioningAdding text to media
accommodation · advocacy · awareness · equal access · assistive technology · CART · real-time translation · inclusive design