February 2012 TALK-TALK Hand Signs An 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... ✤M✤My name is A D A M ✤H✤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... FINGERSPELL ING CAT CAT DOG DOG HOUSE HOUSE CAR CAR CHAIR CHAIR FLOOR FLOOR

Reading Fingerspelling ✤A✤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 ✤L✤Let’s Practice!

FINGERSPELLING...Fingerspelling TOAD ROCK WATER BOOK CUP UTAH

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