To sign the name "Eli", you will fingerspell the letters E, L, and I using your dominant hand. Start by forming the letter 'E' with your fingers curled in and resting on your thumb. Next, transition smoothly into the letter 'L' by extending your index finger straight up and your thumb out to the side. Finally, form the letter 'I' by curling your index, middle, and ring fingers down while extending your pinky finger straight up.
Sign 'MY', then 'FRIEND', followed by 'NAME', and finally fingerspell E-L-I smoothly.
Fingerspell E-L-I, then sign 'COME' and 'PARTY', raising your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED', then 'CALL' (using the phone handshape), and finish by fingerspelling E-L-I.
Sign 'MY', then 'FRIEND', followed by 'NAME', and finally fingerspell E-L-I smoothly.
Fingerspell E-L-I, then sign 'COME' and 'PARTY', raising your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'NEED', then 'CALL' (using the phone handshape), and finish by fingerspelling E-L-I.
Not necessarily! Short names like Eli are typically just fingerspelled because it is very fast and efficient. While a name sign might be given by a Deaf person, fingerspelling is always correct and commonly used for short names.
No, you should keep your hand steady in one place. Bouncing makes it much harder for the other person to read your fingerspelling. Let your fingers do the moving while your arm remains still.
Always use your dominant hand for fingerspelling. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Keep your palm facing outward toward the person you are communicating with.
