Fingerspelling (5-letter words) American Sign Language (ASL)

[@feleciakelly-applewhite9137]

This is such a great idea! It’s really helpful for finger spelling practice. Please consider more videos like this one.Thank You!

[@kimguenther7004]

I am seriously like a 5 year old trying to learn to read again - sounding out each word until it clicks what it is. I'm very new and this is DIFFICULT even on reduced speed, but so helpful.

[@sleepyemployee92]

Same boat as you. Been trying to teach myself ASL and I can spell words on my own but I am having the hardest time trying to follow other people spell, and they go quite fast.

[@sign-language]

How to use ASL University to learn sign language for free: 1. Visit Lifeprint.com and become familiar with the ASL University website. 2. Bookmark the official ASLU KZbin master playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL6akqFwEeSpiLwRFA3ZvuOWMwPXwI7NqA 3. For quick reviews (to prevent memory extinction) bookmark the "Signs" channel playlist page: kzbin.infoplaylists 4. If you use a desktop or laptop computer you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search.htm 5. If you use a mobile device you can look up signs using this page: www.lifeprint.com/search/index.htm 6. If you can’t find a sign after using the search options at Lifeprint.com then consider applying to join the Lifeprint-ASLU Facebook group and asking your question there. See: facebook.com/groups/Lifeprint.ASLU/ 7. Go through the ASLU Lessons for free: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm Your comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome. To contact Dr. Bill Vicars, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/contact.htm Ways to support the ASL University channel: 1. Click the “thumb up” (like) icon on videos at KZbin.com/billvicars 2. Click the “subscribe” button at KZbin.com/billvicars (if you haven't done so yet) 3. Click the “Share” link and share the videos. 4. Visit the “ASLU” bookstore at www.lifeprint.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm (feel free to suggest new products that you would like to see). 5. Buy some ASL University “official” clothing at: ASLU gear: teespring.com/stores/aslu 6. Subscribe to the ASLU subscription site: asl.tc (For information see: lifeprint.com/asltc/ ) 7. Donate via: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=64QMBRBXQSV6G 8. For other donation options, see: www.Lifeprint.com/donate.htm If you have any friends who might be in a position to do so you might want to consider inviting them to donate -- thus supporting Deaf children and the promotion of free sign language resources via Lifeprint.com

[@talktothehands4783]

I love this. I am working on my receptive ASL. It is too difficult for me at normal speed, but I have slowed down the video and it is very helpful.

[@Kikipotamus]

Love this! It's very encouraging. I'm getting 85% to 90% of them without pausing or slowing the video, but after 3 minutes, my brain melts and I have to take a break. I prefer practicing receptive FS with a natural speed, not unnaturally slow.

[@jefe7601]

This is a very helpful video. The best use of study time. Being able to slow it down helps at the beginning. Much more helpful than other fingerspelling videos on the site which tend to go too slowly between words as the students struggle. More like this will be helpful. I find the ability to adjust the settings at .75 or .5 or .24 slow motion is really a help. start sloe then build speed. Also this is better than the name videos because one can guess less and must catch each letter movement.

[@GrahamLloyd-f6e]

I agree. I'm newly deafened and am struggling to learn ASL. I'm making progress! Receptive signing is the most difficult so I slow the video down to 0.25. I'm learning as quickly as I can. (Hello from Canada!)

[@mythopoeic8236]

How immensely useful! The hands are starting to speak directly into my brain automatically

[@1lightdweller]

My brain hurts, but yeah, helpful. Thanks.

[@chelseapearsall7996]

wow this is exactly what i was looking for and needed. I'm a new ASL student and have issues reading fingerspelling. Hope there are more of these! I had to do playback speed at .25 and still struggled with the end result. I have a tendency to read each letter and then get lost to what the word is. Trying to work on this. Will continue to use this video to help me acheive better receptability. Thank you!

[@crazyconan28]

Thank you Dr. Bill, I'm rusty from when I took American Sign Language from high school. Even though you're going at a normal deaf pace, slowing down the video to 25 % still helps me practice at my current level.

[@sign-language]

You can use a desktop computer (or laptop) and a browser such as Chrome and then click on the gear icon and adjust the playback speed. That function isn't available on (most) phones yet so use a browser or device that provides the speed change option. Or perhaps use a different video that fits your speed better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJKUknSOpbulaNk

[@Glibscribe]

On my phone at least, touch the video, and click the three dots in the upper right hand corner to open the settings menu, where you find the playback speed option.

[@chrstphr80]

This video is amazing! Thanks so much for it!! I started watching it at speed 0.5, and now can do 0.75. My brain hurts, but that is the exact indication that my receptive skills are indeed improving!!

[@lorenaleal4986]

This is great. My brain is working. Lovr the practice. Thank you

[@taniellie]

Thank you so much for posting this! I appreciate all that you do for us viewers!

[@wesleyjake1509]

Really like this. I just let it play and if I didn't get it I just kept going ... eventually I found myself getting used to it and picking up certain words real quick. Others 0 lol ! But I think if I just continue looping this every day eventually I'll get more and more ... Great idea ! 💡

[@MissYinna]

This is so much better than series of pictures! No need for captions I think, we can always play at a lower speed. Also, because there are so many words I can come back and practice again (no chance of remembering them). I too would love more of these. And maybe, for even more advanced learners, the camera at another angle?

[@M_SC]

This is so helpful. Especially because you do the shortcut and modified letters that are natural and happen when one letter goes before or after another particular letter. I’m going to send a donation.

[@M_SC]

Haha I’m at .5 speed though. That’s challenging enough for me.

[@sharonarnold7280]

This is great practice for beyond beginner fingerspelling! I don't think it needs captions! Thanks for making this video!

[@1lightdweller]

____ 0:00 which would their there could think about other these there 0:30 those after thing still child leave great where woman 1:00 might group again world shall under never party about small 1:30 place while point house large local where bring begin write 2:00 state quite start right every month night power money order 2:30 often young water other level until allow stand study since 3:00 right least right carry early after later court offer voice price 3:30 issue speak today value class build spend force paper major 4:00 agree learn table reach among death sense staff early clear event 4:30 range black stage cause trade watch white whose whole field break 5:00 cover apply raise light claim story pound union board short model 5:30 drive place along human share serve occur labor since close color heart 6:00 music other piece prove front royal plant catch enjoy basis wrong 6:30 round argue final enter space refer thank award close legal means 7:00 sound above happy point floor style doubt horse force glass visit prime 7:30 fight train avoid title hotel exist share smile sorry skill claim 8:00 treat labor state whole total throw image admit basic aware above round 8:30 maybe heavy pupil teach blood press ready stone apart cause terms mouth 9:00 visit chair check laugh sound river start worth stock shake study 9:30 radio green north drink fully extra scene arise peace ahead scale owner 10:00 match sport offer civil crime marry truth below trial adopt light south 10:30 trust works clear train issue agent along media shoot speed order route 11:00 close usual track shape reply press earth limit sight video worry cross 11:30 grant phone alone stick front sleep fresh entry smile touch adult drink 12:00 until stuff award sheet joint broad judge chief total favor equal 12:30 alone rural twice cheap quiet limit ought while dream error quick match 13:00 birth store touch below dress asset block youth cover guest phase 13:30 crowd

[@karenchesley5994]

Thanks

[@mercygrace.]

Wow, thanks!

[@arifjay6756]

I think the first word was meant to be which but was actually spelled wich lol I could be wrong. Either way I’m grateful Dr B is helping

[@sign-language]

​@@arifjay6756 Oh my heck! You are right. Ha! Well, it's time to see if the old KZbin Video Editor works! I'm in luck! The YT video editor won't be discontinued until after March 17, 2021. So I'm going to go and chop off that first word! Gah! The feedback window says it might take a couple hours to load in the change.

[@Alan-xe4st]

I think reading out the letters (as a beginner) really helps you understand which handshape corresponds to the English alphabet. After that, you can start connecting letters to form words at that speed once you’ve practiced. (Coming from a hearing person)

[@talktothehands4783]

Can you do more videos like this with shorter or longer words? Maybe categories like names or cities? This is really helpful.

[@karenc3018]

This is so helpful! Thank you, thank you!!

[@GrahamLloyd-f6e]

I had to slow the playback speed but for me it's great to get some receptive practice in....thanks.

[@jacobrichmond5190]

This feels like the equivalent of a boss fight for learning to fingerspell. A hearty challenge, but I know that once I get the hang of it, it's gonna feel amazing to rewatch this video at full speed and nail these

[@richh.1010]

This is great and very helpful, but, I'm not advanced enough for five-letter words, can you do some with three and four letter words videos so I can build up to five- and more letter words? Yes I know I can slow it down, but, I'm trying to train myself for the speed I'll see in real life. I love this new format, just ensure the camera captures the entire word because sometimes your hand goes beyond the screen. Thank you for all that you do!

[@sign-language]

Believe it or not your comment will indeed influence my decisions regarding which word lists to focus on. I can indeed do a 3 letter version and the a four letter version. Tip: If you are on a desktop computer you can usually click on the gear icon and adjust the speed settings of KZbin videos.

[@6yasss808]

I used to watch this at x.25 speed, and now I can watch it at x.5 speed. Thanks Mr. Vicars!

[@sign-language]

Have you had a chance to check out my fingerspelling tool at asl.ms/mobile/ ?

[@Galakyllz]

I appreciate this video so much. I am truly learning.

[@plmfb]

This type of video is SUPER helpful. Possible to leave a few moment between words in case we need to go back? Always the best lessons.

[@karaokevideos5418]

My favourite teacher 😊

[@thrivinginamber2642]

Bill, I'm marking this video that has the alternate way you suggested. This speed would be perfect for pre-priming with text, and all the video information is already in place. Having it only once is perfect, and even the spacing between helps to digest the info. I still think pre-priming would make it far more efficient, at least for the level I'm at, still struggling to make sense of half of the letters in front of me within the timeframe each one is shown. But that's far better than three months ago when I prolly would have only recognized the "J"s and "Z"s.

[@sign-language]

Just letting you know that I've seen your comment.

[@thrivinginamber2642]

Ty, the description in this shows that were were along these lines already, oh, at 5 and 22 the word CC'd as Among is Along, and it' correct in the list in the desc. Also I was able to paste the long list into a file to prime the words, ironically the file was set to Gallaudet font, anyway if it did anything it was too comfortable for me to notice, and i'll run this again. It's admirable that you made the letter handshapes for so many minutes through. Would you say that 7 to 10 letter words (or more) would be a good size for pre-priming?

[@thrivinginamber2642]

After practicing with your fingerspelling tool for a couple weeks, I can read this fingerspelling video at half speed mostly reading them from one or two plays of that word, and without the cheatsheet, mostly. in the fingerspelling tool, medium feels super slow, and fast is very comfortable with good reception, and deaf speed is readable, sometimes in one, and it speeds up my reception for the other speeds and overall. I'm learning steadily, with no idea how fast or slow, just steadily, which is all it needs to be.

[@nataliec7430]

This video is super helpful! Thank you for making it. Side note: I think the cc at 5:33 is incorrect (should be "along" not "among").

[@sign-language]

@nataliec7430 Great catch! It was likely a subtitling mistake from one of my assistants -- or maybe it was (cough) me (cough) but the upload date (June 14, 2019) was during a summer internship I was running at the studio for ASL majors at the local state university. Interestingly, the list in the video description has it right but the subtitle had it wrong. It is so awesome how the internet lets people work together to fix and improve things. Because you included a time code it took me less than a minute to find and fix the issue in the subtitles. The subtitle should read "along" now. Thanks!

[@nataliec7430]

@@sign-language Thanks for the speedy fix!

[@JohnDoe-oo9ll]

Still the best fingerspelling exercise I've found on youtube

[@sign-language]

That is fascinating to me because it seems like such a simple thing: spelling a bunch of 5-letter words to the camera. Yet five letter words are perhaps the ideal length for the human brain to wrap around.

[@JohnDoe-oo9ll]

@@sign-language I concur. You also had a good camera setup, lighting, and a nice closeup on your hand. Most other finger spelling videos are very unrealistically slow and with finger spelling I need to just keep going without watching someone else learn or waiting for explanations or for the teacher to repeat the same sign.

[@GrahamLloyd-f6e]

@@sign-language I've been slogging away for months but with this video I was actually able to understand almost 100% of the words. I had to set the speed at the slowest speed but I'm so pleased to be able to improve my receptive skills. Thanks from Victoria Canada.

[@lilymarie2223]

I was completely lost even after I slowed it down smh...

[@robindecker9856]

Wonderful. Thank You.

[@jas4356]

Great! Thank you so much!

[@sam3524]

Why was 3:07 ("early") spelled with the hand moving to the side? Is it normal to do that in certain cases (when there isn't a double letter) ?

[@sign-language]

Excellent of you to catch the movement difference in the spelling of "early." In addition to several signed versions -- "early" has a lexicalized fingerspelling version in which the hand moves in somewhat of a circular path while spelling the letters. For a bit of reading regarding lexicalization of fingerspelling, see: www.lifeprint.com/asl101/fingerspelling/fingerspellinglexicalized.htm Also, on a full-size "desktop" type computer or laptop (but not a phone or tablet) try this link: kzbin.info/door/Zy9xs6Tn9vWqN_5l0EEIZAsearch?query=lexicalized (That link inputs a query for the term lexicalized into the search option for my other KZbin channel and can show you some other lexicalized fingerpelling examples).

[@kathrynthayne7350]

❤ I need to practice more...had to slow the video down.

[@synamonbetter4689]

Thanks for this video Dr. Bill!!! It helps if I sound out the word as the letters are produced rather than just saying the letter. Question - do you have a page or a simple explanation about the rules for double letters and the movement they get? The rules I have now are: ll, kk, rr, bb - bounce ss, tt, mm, nn, dd, ff - no bounce but a tap oo, ee, or, ar - slide But I'm not sure what the rule is for when the letters are in the middle of the word vs the end of the word.

[@sign-language]

Double letters in ASL fingerspelling: The purpose of this comment isn't to tell you all about double letters in fingerspelling. The purpose is to tell you that with the power of the internet you as a student no longer have to be at the mercy of any particular ASL-instructor's opinion regarding how ASL is or isn't done. To this end I'll suggest an approach. Advice from an ASL Lexicographer: 1. Define your terms and develop your glossary: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the words you are going to use to analyze and document your topic. 2. Use the internet to locate as many real life examples of the target concept in context-rich signing by native level signers as you can. 3. Analyze that signing and make notes of what you are seeing. 4. Develop a list of notes, rules, or reminders based on your observations, analysis, or deductions: Here is a mini-example of the above process as applied to the fingerspelling of double letters in ASL: Glossary: Tapping: Tapping in ASL fingerspelling is the act of reforming a fingerspelled letter that has internal contact points. For example, if you reform the letter A you first tap the fingertips to the palm of the hand then form a gap and again tap the fingertips to the palm of the hand. Reforming: Reforming in ASL fingerspelling is the act of relaxing or slightly relaxing a fingerspelled letter and then forming the letter again. Note: All tapped letters are reformed but not all reformed letters are "tapped." Tapping requires internal contact. Arc or Arcing: Arcing (also can be spelled as "arching") means to "move with a curving trajectory" (Source: Lexico.com) In ASL fingerspelling "arcing" refers to moving in a small curve. Generally the curve forms an upright arc. This arc can be thought of as a combination of a sideways slide and bounce. Bounce: Bouncing in ASL fingerspelling is the slight (or sometimes not-so-slight) up and down movement of the hand. Jabbing: Jabbing in ASL fingerspelling is when a fingerspelled letter is thrust forward. Jab/bounce: A jab/bounce in ASL fingerspelling is a movement wherein the hand has both an up and down movement as well as a forward thrusting movement. Typically this manifests as a letter being formed as it is moved forward and down and then the hand is pulled back and up as it relaxes and then the next letter is formed as the hand again moves forward and down. Sliding: Sliding in ASL fingerspelling is when a fingerspelled letter is moved smoothly (not bounced, arched, or reformed) toward (typically) the dominant-hand side of the signers body. ============================= Real world example section: Example 1: Deaf man named Aaron spelling his name: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpSXpmufa7-jpqM Notes: The signer reforms (taps) the A with no slide. Example 2: Newscaster spelling the name Aarron Loggins: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmSwqJewbZpgfdU Notes: Double “AA” beginning of name: Does a very, very small reformation of the A with very little sideward movement (approximately a centimeter). Double R middle of name: Does a very small relax (maintaining overall “R” shape) and tighten of the R while moving one-letter-width to the dominant side. Example 3: Sign 1 Newscaster spelling Wooddall (as in Jethro Wooddall) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmSwqJewbZpgfdU Double OO in middle of word: Forms an O, relaxes into a tight C while moving approximately 2 centimeters to the outside and reforms the O. Double DD in middle of word: Forms a D, gaps the fingertips and thumb by about 2 centimeters (into an open-D) then reforms the D with no significant sideways movement THEN at the end of the second D moves one letter width further to the dominant side to continue spelling. Double LL at end of a somewhat long word involving other double letters (Wooddall): Literally repositions the hand one full letter-width toward the non-dominant side with a 2 centimeter bounce, forms an L and does an sideways full-letter-width arc (which could be considered a combination of a slide and a bounce) with no change in the shape. =========== Notes: It is common to see the double letters "AA" slightly or fully reformed" This is sometimes referred to as "tapping." It is common to see the letters OO reformed when they occur in the middle of a word. It is common to see the double letters DD reformed when they occur in the middle of a word. It is common to see the double letters LL slid at the end of a word. It is also not uncommon to see the first L of a double-L re-positioned a full-letter-width to the non-dominant side prior to the beginning of the slide. If you do your own research and notice that your current local instructor's advice matches your research results -- rejoice! You now have a strong indicator that your local current ASL teacher is "a good one." (Credible).

[@lesliejohnson8738]

This is very helpful, thank you! Is it just me, or is the first H missing in the first word (which)?

[@AkatsukiCookies]

I've been watching your videos a lot the past days and learned how to finger spell but you're so fast! Is this the normal speed at which Deaf or HoH people spell?

[@sign-language]

We tend to spell about 5 letters per second when conversing among ourselves. You may wish to go through my fingespelling playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJKUknSOpbulaNk

[@hear4thetruth]

Hello Dr. Vicars, I was wondering if I were to sign the alphabet backwards would it help me become a little quicker or would it mess up the way I try to sign by word not by letter? (crazy I know, but trying to think of the next letter on top of sign the letter is brain working 2 puzzles at once to me. lol )

[@sign-language]

Without actual "research" my opinion here is simply opinion but since you asked... If two people do ten learning activities related to fingerspelling and then person "A" proceeds to do an eleventh activity consisting of practicing signing the alphabet backwards -- while person "B" proceeds to browse random cat videos online -- it is my opinion that person "A" will have a slight advantage over person "B" in terms of signing and recognizing the alphabet.

[@sign-language]

Updated: Question: Hello Dr. Vicars, I was wondering if I were to sign the alphabet backwards would it help me become a little quicker or would it mess up the way I try to sign by word not by letter? (crazy I know, but trying to think of the next letter on top of sign the letter is brain working 2 puzzles at once to me. lol ) Answer: Without actual "research" my opinion here is simply opinion but since you asked... If two people do ten learning activities related to fingerspelling and then person "A" proceeds to do an eleventh activity consisting of practicing signing the alphabet backwards -- while person "B" proceeds to browse random cat videos online -- it is my opinion that person "A" will have a slight advantage over person "B" in terms of spelling and recognizing individual letters of the manual alphabet. The real question here is, "Will the idea of doing something weird, fun, interesting -- such as spelling the alphabet backwards -- inspire you to do the "eleventh activity"? Acquiring a language is less about "how" you acquire it than the fact that you actually engage in using it.

[@hear4thetruth]

@@sign-language lol deal thank you

[@DonaldLancon]

If you add all that other stuff, please post it as a different video. Keep this one for those who prefer a more stripped down version.

[@dennisrosenfeld4347]

At playback speed .025 I notice you have very nicely manicured nails….😊

[@sign-language]

LOL -- yah, if you think about it I'm actually sort of a "hand model." Hmmm... maybe I should switch fields and start doing nail polish commercials?

[@rachelmcdonald7036]

❤

[@jezabeldeabullarade4773]

slow please

[@sign-language]

Eh? If I go "slow" for you then those who want it fast will tell me to "speed it up." A better approach is to start with a slower video. Check out my fingerspelling playlist and see if one of the other videos works better for you. Or you can try using a desktop computer web browser and you can change the settings to slow down the video to 1/4 speed.

[@iHeartStuffedAnimals]

Hi! 😄

[@ОлегАкаемов-ъ2э]

???????? Я не получил, l have not received 😀