To sign "by", you will use a quick fingerspelling motion, known as a lexicalized fingerspelling. Start by forming the letter 'B' with your dominant hand, then quickly transition into the letter 'Y' while moving your hand slightly forward and down. The transition is so fast that it often looks like a fluid motion emphasizing the final 'Y' handshape.
To sign this, you would sign "BOOK", "WRITE", and then use the quick fingerspelled "B-Y" before signing "MY FRIEND".
You can sign "CAKE", "MAKE", then use the quick "B-Y" sign, followed by "MY MOM".
Sign "PAINTING", followed by the lexicalized "B-Y", and then "FAMOUS" and "ARTIST".
To sign this, you would sign "BOOK", "WRITE", and then use the quick fingerspelled "B-Y" before signing "MY FRIEND".
You can sign "CAKE", "MAKE", then use the quick "B-Y" sign, followed by "MY MOM".
Sign "PAINTING", followed by the lexicalized "B-Y", and then "FAMOUS" and "ARTIST".
Not always! ASL is a conceptual language. If you mean 'next to' (like 'by the store'), you would use the sign for 'NEAR' or 'NEXT-TO'. The fingerspelled 'B-Y' is typically used for things like 'created by' or 'written by.'
This is called lexicalized fingerspelling. When short words are fingerspelled frequently, the letters blend together. The 'B' is often shortened or dropped slightly to make the transition to 'Y' faster and more fluid.
No, fingerspelling should always be done with your dominant hand. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side while you sign 'B-Y'.
