Fingerspelling

Although the handshapes used are different, fingerspelling has the same role in British Sign Language and American Sign Language.

Fingerspelling acts as a bridge between sign and the letters of the English alphabet. It is used to 'spell' proper nouns, or in those situations when a person does not know the sign, or when no sign yet exists, for a concept. Teachers of deaf children often use fingerspelling when working on English literacy skills.