Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling can be compared to ASL’s version of the English alphabet. Please note that ASL has it’s own equivalent to the English alphabet which consists of a separate set of hand shapes used to compile words within ASL. Fingerspelling is different. Fingerspelling is the adaptation of the English alphabet converted into hand shapes/gestures.
While fingerspelling can help in a pinch and is very effective when you don’t know a proper sign, you don’t want to rely on it as a sole source of communication. If you’re trying to learn sign, you want to steer clear of simply spelling out every word you’re trying to get across. However, while you are learning, it is perfectly adequate to use.
For example, if you recently lost (or are losing) your hearing and have just started wearing a digital hearing aid, fingerspelling may be good to learn as a back up. If you know basic fingerspelling, when you are without a hearing aid, you will be able to use this to communicate.
Also, if you just started working with hearing impaired, you may find fingerspelling the quickest and easiest way to to communicate. Once you feel confident, you can go on and learn another sign that may be more convenient in the long run.
Disclaimers aside, here are your basic alphabet and number charts:
→ Alphabet chart
→ Number chart
→ Watch video of fingerspelling the alphabet
