ASL fingerspelling receptive practice

Practice and develop your fingerspelling receptive skill. This exercise is beneficial for all ASL levels from beginner to intermediate.

Instructions

1. Watch a random video. Some are fingerspelled words, fingerspelled loans, and sometimes abbreviations.
2. Click 'REPLAY' again (and again) if needed. Click 'SLOW' and REPLAY for playing the half-speed. Click 'SLOWER' and again 'REPLAY' for the slowest possible. Click 'NORMAL' and REPLAY for normal speed.
3. Enter your answer in the blank box, and click the 'CHECK' button for feedback. No command (,) and no space.
4. Click 'NEXT' for the next random video.

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Tips on improving receptive skill

Is it fingerspelling too fast? That's what you are here for. :) To train your eyes with the real world of fingerspelling in ASL signing in daily life. Use the replay button to repeat and repeat.

Avoid looking at the individual alphabetical letters. Look at the configuration (pattern) of a fingerspelled word -- its shape and movement. In language learning, one learns the patterns of language.

Practice, practice, and practice. Sharpen your receptive skill.

What the ASL learners say

Joe Kuta's moving message below describes his experience, before the day the "slow" and "slower" mode buttons were added to the feature. (Ya lucky for having the "slow" button today.)

"It is very challenging. I can't even get past the first one.
But as is recommended - repeat, repeat, repeat.
And slowly the pattern is revealed.
My cat likes it too, because I'm staying put on the couch with her on my lap!" ( February 2016)

His advise is to keep the "normal" mode: "Keep it as challenging as it is. It's good for the brain!" What a great determination and optimistic attitude he has!

"And I was successful yesterday! I got 'clinic.' And a few more. I've studied a handful of Slavic languages. When I was listening to a Russian song, the mush of information started separating itself into discreet words. It's a beautiful process."

That works the same with listening to ASL and picking up patterns in the ASL language. Have fun and stay determined!