In a message dated 09/18/11 12:50:25 Pacific Daylight Time, Stephen writes:
Dear Dr. Bill:
I read with fascination your explanations re
lexicalized
fingerspelling. I have used it but did not know there was a name for it until I
read your presentation.
Of course it set my mind to whirring. I never realized before how much it is
used by my friends and acquaintances. The thought also hit me that one set of
lexicalized finger or written spelling now recognized instantly by both deaf and
hearing people when used in-context are the Postal Service's two letter
designations for State names. For example, if I sign "I drive FL," the listener
knows instantly that I mean that I am driving to Florida. The same is true if I
write that "I am driving to FL" in an e-mail; both deaf and hearing people would
know that FL means Florida. Nevertheless, the graphic signs for States are still
in use. My friends still sign NY by sliding the right "Y" hand over the left
palm.
Thanks for your efforts.
Steve K
Dear Steve,
While it is true that most people will "recognize" the spelled state
abbreviations, you are right about the actual sign being preferred in most
cases. For example most of us do Florida not as "FL" but as a lexicalized
fingerspelling: "F-L-A."
This particular example is likely also influenced by the fact that
fingerspelling "FL" is also a common way to express the concept "foreign
language."
-- Dr. Bill
FLORIDA:
Places in Florida:
MIAMI:
TAMPA BAY:
ORLANDO:
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