In ASL whats the best way to understand fingerspelling?

Question

i just started learning ASL

i knew the alphabet for a while now

and now im working on my fingerspelling and understanding it

i find myself trying to pronounce the word as it is being fingerspelled out, but i can only understand it when its being done slowly

is there a good way to understand fingerspelling or is it all just practice?

thanks.

Answer 1

fingerspelling is just a small part of ASL.  Used mostly for names, places, etc.   Usually signing people slow down when spelling a name.  It;'s all a matter of practice.  Sometimes i will practice when i have time on my hands.  Like a drs office, or on a bus.   I will spell words on the signs around me.  I still am not too fast, and better at signing, but its like any language,.  You just have to keep at it, and make contacts with friends who will converse with you for practice  

Answer 2

Just keep doing your alphabet, and get someone else to do it with you. It takes a great deal of practice. You'll get it. Honest!  

Answer 3

It does take a lot of time to master the fingerspelling technique. Some of the time, you will never catch it...even as a professional with ASL. Sometimes, you need to wait until further in the sentence for an identifier that will make you realize what the fingerspelling was!

It does take time and years of practice. I recommend signing WORDS NOT LETTERS to yourself in a mirror for better practice. So you know what the variety of words look like in ASL while you also know what they are.