To sign Catherine, you will fingerspell the name C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E. Hold your dominant hand up near your shoulder with your palm facing forward. Smoothly transition through each letter, keeping your hand steady and avoiding bouncing your arm as you spell.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME' followed by fingerspelling C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E.
Sign 'C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E HERE TODAY' with raised eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I NEED CALL' and then fingerspell C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME' followed by fingerspelling C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E.
Sign 'C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E HERE TODAY' with raised eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I NEED CALL' and then fingerspell C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E.
Yes, unless the person named Catherine has given you a specific 'name sign'. Name signs are unique to the individual and are given by members of the Deaf community.
Speed is less important than clarity. Focus on forming each letter clearly and smoothly transitioning to the next. Speed will naturally develop with practice.
You can gently mouth the full name 'Catherine' as you fingerspell it, rather than mouthing the individual letters. This helps provide context to the person reading your signs.
