Handspelling

Handspelling is a system of communication that uses manual signs to represent the letters of an alphabet. It is primarily used in deaf education and by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to spell out words that do not have a specific sign in sign language, or to clarify the spelling of a word. This process is also known as finger spelling or manual alphabet.

There are various handspelling systems used around the world, with the most common being the one-handed manual alphabet used in American Sign Language (ASL) and the two-handed manual alphabet used in British Sign Language (BSL). The signs for each letter typically involve specific handshapes and movements, often held in a neutral space in front of the signer.

Handspelling plays a crucial role in literacy for deaf individuals. It allows them to access written language, participate in conversations where specific signs might not be known by all parties, and to transliterate spoken words. It is an integral part of learning and using sign language, bridging the gap between spoken and signed communication. Practice and familiarity are key to achieving fluency in handspelling, enabling clear and efficient communication.