is signed in different ways, through a bounce of your hand, a slide of your hand, or repeating the sign of a letter. Letters are signed at a constant speed; a pause functions as a word divider. The first letter may be held for the length of a letter extra as a cue that the signer is about to start fingerspelling. Uses Fingerspelling is primarily used for borrowing words from English. It is typically only used in a specific set of circumstances. The following are words that might need to be fingerspelled: proper names, brand names, place names, and all other words that do not have a conventional sign. In other instances, use fingerspelling sparingly. Changes and variations in the manual alphabet Like other languages, American Sign Language is constantly evolving. While changes in fingerspelling are less likely, slight changes still occur over time. The manual alphabet looks differently today than it did merely decades ago. A prime example of this pattern of change is found in the "screaming 'E'". Older generations of deaf individuals still insist that the "E" handshape requires that the thumb make contact with the tips of the index and middle fingers. Meanwhile, younger generations are beginning to produce a handshape that separates the thumb from the other fingers on the lower end of the palm. English and the manual alphabet Since fingerspelling was originally developed in order to incorporate the English language into sign language, it is very closely linked to English. Studies have shown that deaf individuals process reading and fingerspelling similarly. As a result, fingerspelling has had a profound impact on the literacy of deaf and hard of hearing children. This conclusion is widely accepted, but the debate lies in which methods of teaching best utilize this relationship. Gallery References External links Practice fingerspelling receptive in real life Practice "reading" fingerspelling using real life videos. Fingerspell A free, online practice site with realistic, animated ASL fingerspelling. ASL Fingerspelling Resource Site Free online fingerspelling lessons, quizzes, and activities. ASL Fingerspelling Online Advanced Practice Tool Test and improve your receptive fingerspelling skills using this free online resource. Fingerspelling Beginner's Learning Tool Learn the basic handshapes of the fingerspelled alphabet. Manual Alphabet and Fingerspelling Further information, fingerspelling Tips and video example of ASL Alphabet. American Sign Language Manual alphabet