February 2012

TALK-TALK Hand SignsAn Introduction to Fingerspelling

Objectives

You should be able to do these things after this presentation:

Produce (fingerspell) your name

Read fingerspelled words

¿WHO YOU?

Fingerspelling is a vital part of introductions. Fingerspelling is how personal names are shared; there are no common signs for most personal names.

It is important to learn the ASL alphabet for this reason.

Let’s get learning!

The Alphabet of the Deaf

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v

w x yz

My name is...

My name is A D A M

How would I fingerspell my name?

A D A M

Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect. It really does. When I was learning how to fingerspell, I spelled everything I saw.

Let’s practice!

Fingerspelling...FINGERSPELLING

Reading Fingerspelling

Another thing I did when I was learning how to fingerspell: I hung out with signers all the time. I would watch their hands and learn how they signed each letter.

Reading fingerspelling is

challenging and

fun Let’s Practice!

FINGERSPELLING ...Fingerspelling

Your Turn

Grab a piece of paper and a pen. You’re going to try reading some basic words. The person with the most correct words wins a prize

You can help each other

Getting to know me

1. My dogs name is Haole 2. My wifes name is Lisa 3. My childrens names are Eva, Keona, Tommy & Ali

The End

Learning fingerspelling in American Sign Language is a great way to start learning the language of the Deaf.

Fingerspelling is a basic tool, used every day by Deaf people

Practice, practice, practice – and you’ll have fun