fingerspelling
1
7.7
- noun
- /ˈfɪŋɡərˌspɛlɪŋ/
- Specialized
- A common communication technique used with and among deaf-blind people is simply a hands-on version of fingerspelling and/or sign language (Figure 1).
- fingerspelling hand
- fingerspelling and sign language
- version of fingerspelling
Examples
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To communicate, many of these individuals employ a tactile version of fingerspelling and/or sign language, gesture systems representing letters or words, respectively.
Academic text (1994) -
Rose has clear and intelligible speech, is a competent Braille user, and understands fingerspelling and some American Sign Language.
Academic text (1996) -
A potential solution exists for the provision of fingerspelling hands to deaf-blind people.
Academic text (1994) -
In American Sign Language, fingerspelling is used to spell out names and unfamiliar words.
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Teachers often incorporate fingerspelling in lessons to help students learn the alphabet in sign language.
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For deaf students, learning fingerspelling enhances their ability to communicate clearly.
Synonyms
1
4.8
A way to show each letter of the alphabet using hand signs
1
6.0
Hand signs for each letter used to spell words, often by deaf people
1
6.6
Hand signs that show the letters of the alphabet for people who are deaf
Surface Forms
Morphology
fingerspelling = fingerspell (transparent) = finger + spell + ing
The noun is formed by adding the productive noun/gerund-forming suffix '-ing' to the verb 'fingerspell', which clearly means 'spell using the fingers'.
Etymology
Fingerspelling is simply finger + spell, where finger is the part of your hand and spell means 'to name the letters of a word'. So, fingerspelling is using your fingers to 'name the letters', especially in sign language, which is why it shows words letter by letter.