Fingerspelling

A method of spelling out words letter-by-letter using hand positions that represent each letter of the alphabet. In American Sign Language, fingerspelling uses a one-handed manual alphabet and is primarily used for proper names, technical terms, and words that do not have established signs. Correct fingerspelling requires specific hand positioning (near the mouth at chin or shoulder height without blocking the face) and smooth transitions between letters. Fingerspelling errors are common among ASL learners and can be detected through automatic video analysis for educational feedback systems.