Fingerspelling in ASL is mainly used for which purposes?

Fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL) serves as an important tool for specifying names and certain words that do not have a specific sign. This includes brand names, proper nouns, and the names of people and places, where fingerspelling allows for clarity and precision. Unlike ASL signs that represent broader concepts, fingerspelling enables users to convey specific information that might otherwise be cumbersome or impossible to express with established signs.

When communicating in ASL, fingerspelling becomes particularly useful in contexts where a unique title or name is necessary, such as mentioning someone’s name for the first time, discussing a product or a location that does not have a dedicated sign, or when the name holds significance that needs to be conveyed directly. This function of fingerspelling enriches the language and ensures effective communication in contexts where specificity is crucial.

Other purposes listed in the options, while important elements of ASL communication, are not primarily served by fingerspelling. For instance, introducing topics and summarizing, dramatic storytelling, and teaching grammar rules engage different aspects of ASL, including sign language structure and expressive storytelling techniques, which are distinct from the function of fingerspelling.