To sign the name 'Ella', you will fingerspell it using the ASL alphabet. Start with the 'E' handshape, curling your fingers in with your thumb resting below them. Next, form an 'L' by extending your index finger and thumb, and slide your hand slightly outward to indicate the double 'L'. Finally, make an 'A' handshape by closing your fingers into a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME', and then smoothly fingerspell E-L-L-A. Remember to slide the 'L' to show the double letter.
Fingerspell E-L-L-A, then sign 'HERE'. Raise your eyebrows while signing to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
Sign 'YESTERDAY I MEET', and finish the sentence by fingerspelling E-L-L-A. Keep your hand steady while spelling.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME', and then smoothly fingerspell E-L-L-A. Remember to slide the 'L' to show the double letter.
Fingerspell E-L-L-A, then sign 'HERE'. Raise your eyebrows while signing to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
Sign 'YESTERDAY I MEET', and finish the sentence by fingerspelling E-L-L-A. Keep your hand steady while spelling.
For most double letters, like the 'L' in Ella, you form the letter once and slide your hand slightly outward. For a few specific letters, you might use a slight bounce or tap, but sliding is the standard way to show a double 'L'.
No, you should maintain eye contact with the person you are signing with. It might be tempting to look at your hand when you are first learning, but practicing without looking will help you become more fluent and natural.
Name signs are exclusively given by members of the Deaf community. Until Ella is given a name sign by a Deaf person, her name should always be fingerspelled. Short names like Ella are often just fingerspelled anyway!
