Fingerspelling is used for which purposes?

• A. Proper names, titles, brand names, to clarify the meaning of a sign, and to request the sign for an English concept.
• B. To spell all nouns only.
• C. To indicate negation and question status.
• D. To replace all signs in ASL.

Answer: (A)

Fingerspelling in ASL is used for specific kinds of words and situations where a sign isn’t suitable or available. It’s the go-to method for names and unique identifiers, so you’ll see it with proper names of people and places, titles of books or movies, and brand names. It’s also used to avoid ambiguity by spelling out a word when a sign might be unclear, or to request the sign for an English concept when you’re referring to the English word itself. This isn’t a blanket replacement for signs—most everyday nouns have signs—but when you’re dealing with names, borrowed terms, or you need to pinpoint a particular word in English, fingerspelling is the right tool. The other options don’t fit because fingerspelling isn’t limited to spelling all nouns, it doesn’t convey negation or question status, and it isn’t intended to replace all signs.