Fingerspelling and Its Role in Translanguaging

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Sign Language Studies

Background:

• Fingerspelling is integral to sign languages, serving as a bridge between signed and written forms.
• Translanguaging involves leveraging diverse linguistic resources, uniquely manifesting in bimodal bilinguals across signed and spoken modalities.
• Fingerspelling exemplifies a unified linguistic system, merging signed and print characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize research and define fingerspelling as a cognitive-linguistic phenomenon.
• To explore the role of fingerspelling in translanguaging practices and communication.
• To discuss fingerspelling's contribution to literacy development in bimodal bilinguals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
• Analysis of cognitive-linguistic and neuroscience findings on fingerspelling.
• Theoretical discussion of fingerspelling within translanguaging frameworks.

Main Results:

• Fingerspelling is characterized as a complex cognitive-linguistic process.
• It plays a significant role in the translanguaging repertoire of bimodal bilinguals.
• Existing research provides a foundation for understanding its production, comprehension, and acquisition.

Conclusions:

• Fingerspelling is a unique linguistic phenomenon bridging signed and written modalities.
• It is a crucial element in translanguaging, supporting communication and literacy.
• Further integration of fingerspelling into translanguaging practices is recommended.