How to Practice Reading ASL Fingerspelling Alone

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How to Practice Reading ASL Fingerspelling Alone

Use your computer or iPhone to practice reading ASL fingerspelling

Ron Jaxon

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Step 1 of 10

In one of my other guides I gave some memory aids to help memorize the ASL fingerspelling hand shapes. I also suggested learning with a friend.

Step 2 of 10

Because all sign language requires you to not only sign but also read the signs quickly. Reading is harder because you have to keep up with the person speaking to you.

Step 3 of 10

Nothing is as good as practicing this with a real person. But here I'll show you a couple of ways to practice reading fingerspelling on your computer or iDevice.

Step 4 of 10

On your computer browser go to asl.ms You'll see this practice gadget. Words will be spelled out at the speed and word length you set it to. Then you fill in your answer.

Step 5 of 10

Challenge yourself. When one speed gets easy increase the speed and the word length.

Step 6 of 10

On iPhone there's an app called ASL FingerSpell that works very similar to the website. It isn quite as good as the website but works in a similar way. Unfortunately it isn't free ($.99).

Step 7 of 10

Here's a short video of the app. I show a right and wrong answer. Then show the different speeds from easy to hard. You can also review in the help section of the app.

Step 8 of 10

Keep in mind that we have accents in ASL just like spoken language. Different hands will sign a little differently. But these practice gadgets can be helpful when you're learning alone.

Step 9 of 10

With lots of practice reading ASL becomes like reading text. We don't read every letter. We read words or groups of words at once. Most won't get to that level. But strive for it.

Step 10 of 10

I know this isn't as good as practicing with a real person. But it's not a bad practice tool. I hope someone finds this helpful.

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Ron Jaxon

michigan

I'm a semi professional magician. Graphic designer. I've been deaf almost 20 years but i can hear now thanks to the cochlear implant I got almost 2 years ago.

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