Definition

Noun: A system for representing the letters of an alphabet using specific, standardized hand shapes and finger positions. It is primarily used for fingerspelling within sign language communication, often by and with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.

Usage

The manual alphabet is a tool for spelling out words letter-by-letter using the hands. It is not a full language but a component used within sign languages (like American Sign Language - ASL) for proper nouns, technical terms, or clarification.

Examples

• The teacher used the manual alphabet to spell the student's name during the lesson.
• Learning the manual alphabet is often the first step in beginning to learn American Sign Language.
• He fingerspelled the address using the manual alphabet to ensure it was understood correctly.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: Different manual alphabets exist for different sign languages (e.g., the British manual alphabet is two-handed, while the American is one-handed).
• Functional Role: It is used for spelling words for which there is no established sign, for acronyms, or for emphasis.

Variants and Related Words

• Fingerspelling (n): The act of using the manual alphabet to spell words.
• Dactylology (n): A more formal or technical term for the representation of letters by finger positions; the study of manual alphabets.

Synonyms

• Finger alphabet
• Hand alphabet

Related Phrases

• To fingerspell: The verb form describing the action of using the manual alphabet.
  • Can you fingerspell that word for me?

Noun

1. an alphabet used by the deaf; letters are represented by finger positions