The Basics of Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling describes using individual alphabetical letters to spell out a word rather than utilizing a single sign that’s equivalent to a word. If a person named Adam were to introduce himself using fingerspelling, he would create the signs for A-D-A-M in sequence because there is no single sign that means “Adam” (or at least not right away). In the case of names, fingerspelling often gives way to a person’s signed name, which is provided by friends or family and encapsulates their personality, interests, or defining characteristics.
Fingerspelling is not restricted only to situations in which an equivalent sign is not available. It’s also frequently used for emphasis. In spoken language, drawing focus to a word is usually achieved by changing the intonation. Compare:
- “Chris did that?” [“For clarity, it was Chris who did that?”]
- “CHRIS did that?” [I am surprised that Chris, of all people, did that.”]
A similar strategy is used in fingerspelling. The person signing may spell a word rather than use its sign, drawing emphasis to the concept by making more noticeable movements or even pointing to the hand that’s doing the spelling.
In some cases, an individual might fingerspell if they’re communicating an idea that’s difficult to understand or they think they might be misinterpreted. Fingerspelling clarifies exactly which word is being used and eliminates the possibility of misunderstanding the signer’s wording, but it takes a little longer than using the sign. It can even come in handy to teach new signs by using the sign and then spelling it out.
Cultural Differences and Linguistic Development
Sign languages are as diverse as other world languages, meaning there is no universal signing system. While ASL’s fingerspelling relies on a single hand to create all letters, British Sign Language (BSL) utilizes both hands for alphabetical signs. Why? It ultimately comes down to what users found most effective when the language was still in development.
Likely, some of the influence on a two-handed fingerspelling system in BSL originated with Europe’s more diverse religious identity. While ASL likely has its origins in French sign language, it continued to develop independently in America, which features a more homogeneous religious identity. Conversely, the UK is home to religious institutions, such as monasteries, where sign language remained an essential tool to assist monks who had taken vows of silence. The BSL variant used in such situations utilized two hands, which may account for the divergence of ASL and BSL in fingerspelling.
Language constantly evolves, and many influences have likely shaped the distinct identities of BSL and ASL. It’s also likely that both will continue to change and develop in the future.
Borrowed Language in Sign
Another essential function of fingerspelling that’s often overlooked is linguistic borrowing. Loan words from spoken languages can be challenging to integrate into sign language because an entirely new sign needs to be created. To more easily incorporate loan words, they are often fingerspelled instead.
This same phenomenon occurs in other languages as well. Take the word karaoke, for example. English speakers freely use the word, having written it in the Latin/Roman alphabet. However, it’s originally written as カラオケ (the shortened form of “karappo okesutora,” literally “empty orchestra”). One language group transliterated a word from a foreign language—that is, they converted it into their own writing system by representing the original sounds with their letters. The same is true when sign language borrows words and converts them into fingerspelling.
Is Fingerspelling Mandatory?
People ready to jump into learning sign might wonder why they should bother with fingerspelling when full signs are available. Fingerspelling is an essential skill for signers. It keeps the language adaptable and ready to accept new words, allowing people to share names and terminology efficiently, and provides greater accessibility for those who struggle to understand. Fingerspelling is not a “simpler” version of sign; it’s an integral part of the language’s identity.
