Sign language is a complete, natural language that uses handshapes, facial expressions, and body movement to convey meaning. It is not a universal language: different countries and communities have their own distinct sign languages, each with its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural roots. For Deaf/Hard of Hearing Communities around the world, sign language is essential for communication, identity, education, and access to information.
One important tool shared across many sign languages is fingerspelling. Fingerspelling is a method of spelling out words using specific handshapes to represent letters. It’s especially useful for names of people or places that don’t have an established sign, for technical terms, or when the signer doesn’t know a particular sign. Fingerspelling can also clarify a sign that the receiver may not recognise. In many languages, fingerspelled letters even become part of standard signs, for example, the sign for gold in British Sign Language begins with the fingerspelled “g” before transitioning into a shimmering movement.
BSL vs. Spanish Sign Language (LSE): How Fingerspelling Fits In
While British Sign Language (BSL) and Spanish Sign Language (LSE) serve their respective Deaf/Hard of Hearing Communities, they differ in structure, vocabulary, and fingerspelling systems.
British Sign Language (BSL): BSL uses a two-handed fingerspelling alphabet, where both hands work together to form letters. This system is visually distinct and is a key feature that sets BSL apart from many other sign languages.
Spanish Sign Language (LSE): In contrast, Spanish Sign Language uses a one-handed fingerspelling alphabet, more similar to systems used in American Sign Language (ASL). Because it relies on only one hand, some signs and transitions may feel quicker or more compact compared to BSL.
These differences highlight a fascinating truth: sign languages evolve independently of spoken languages. Even though English and Spanish share many alphabetic letters and sounds, their associated sign languages are structurally unrelated and reflect different cultural histories.
Why Sign Language Matters
Understanding these variations enriches our appreciation of the diversity within the global Deaf community. Learning about fingerspelling reminds us that sign languages are not just communication tools but vibrant, living languages shaped by the people who use them.
Fingerspelling is a powerful way to connect, communicate, and build deeper linguistic awareness.
SOURCES: https://www.british-sign.co.uk/ and DILSE.
READING COMPREHENSION
1. Multiple-Choice Quiz. Choose the correct answer to the questions and underline the sentence in the text that supports your choice.
1. What is sign language described as in the text?
A. A universal communication method
B. A complete, natural language
C. A system based only on gestures
D. A simplified form of spoken language
2. Why is sign language not considered universal?
A. Some people refuse to learn it
B. Different countries have their own sign languages
C. It relies too much on facial expressions
D. It changes every year
3. Which of the following is not listed as an essential use of sign language?
A. Identity
B. Entertainment
C. Education
D. Access to information
4. What is fingerspelling?
A. A way of showing emotions through gestures
B. A method of spelling words using handshapes
C. A way to form questions
D. A type of signed storytelling
5. When is fingerspelling especially useful?
A. When signing common greetings
B. For names, technical terms, or unfamiliar signs
C. Only when communicating slowly
D. Only when translating spoken languages
6. Which sign is given as an example of using a fingerspelled letter in a standard sign?
A. The sign for “welcome” in LSE
B. The sign for “gold” in BSL
C. The sign for “home” in ASL
D. The sign for “friend” in BSL
7. What is unique about the BSL fingerspelling alphabet?
A. It uses two hands
B. It is the same as ASL
C. It uses only one hand
D. It has no connection to the English alphabet
8. What is a characteristic of the LSE fingerspelling alphabet?
A. It uses two hands
B. It is based entirely on numbers
C. It uses one hand and is similar to ASL
D. It does not include vowels
9. What does the text say about the connection between spoken and sign languages?
A. Sign languages copy spoken languages
B. Sign languages evolve independently of spoken languages
C. Spoken languages control sign language grammar
D. Sign languages have no grammar
10. Why does learning about fingerspelling matter?
A. It replaces the need to learn sign language
B. It helps people speak more clearly
C. It supports communication and builds linguistic awareness
D. It is only useful for beginners.
2. True/False Questions: Write T or F accordingly. Correct the false answers.
1. __ Sign language is the same in every country.
2. __ Fingerspelling uses specific handshapes to represent letters.
3. __ BSL uses a one-handed fingerspelling alphabet.
4. __ LSE’s fingerspelling system is similar to ASL.
5. __ Sign languages are shaped by the cultures that use them.
6. __ Fingerspelling is only used for names.
7. __ The sign for “gold” in BSL starts with a fingerspelled letter.
8. __ Spoken languages and sign languages evolve in the same way.
9. __ Sign language is essential for communication in many Deaf communities.
10. __ Fingerspelling can help clarify unfamiliar signs.
FOLLOW UP: Using the Spanish Sign Language Fingerspelling alphabet, spell your name.
Higher-Order Thinking Questions (Open-Ended, for fast-finishers and high-achievers)
1. Why do you think different sign languages developed independently instead of becoming universal?
2. How might fingerspelling help build confidence in new signers?
3. Why is it important to recognise sign languages as “complete, natural languages”?
4. In what situations could fingerspelling cause confusion rather than clarity?
5. How do the different fingerspelling systems (one-handed vs. two-handed) reflect cultural and historical influences?
6. What challenges might occur when communicating between users of BSL and LSE?
7. How does the example of “gold” in BSL show the way languages change over time?
8. How might learning fingerspelling improve someone’s understanding of a Deaf community’s culture?
9. Why do you think sign languages remain unrelated to the spoken languages around them, even when they share alphabets?
10. What does the role of fingerspelling tell us about the flexibility of visual languages?
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