What are the 3 reasons to Fingerspell in ASL

Question

asked Mar 16, 2024 108k views

1 Answer

Wolfgang Adamec · Answer 1 · 2024-03-20T15:34:16+0000

Fingerspelling in ASL has three main reasons: clarity, education and accessibility, and cultural understanding.

Reasons to Fingerspell in ASL:

Clarity: Fingerspelling can be used to clarify misunderstandings or to spell out words that do not have a specific sign. This can be especially important when communicating proper names, technical terms, or uncommon words.
Education and Accessibility: Fingerspelling allows ASL users to access written English and expand their knowledge. It is a bridge between ASL and written English, and it helps deaf individuals gain fluency in reading English.
Cultural Understanding: Fingerspelling is an important component of the ASL culture. Learning to fingerspell helps deaf individuals connect with their community and embrace their cultural identity.