To sign "pat", you will fingerspell the letters P, A, and T. Start with the 'P' handshape by pointing your index finger forward, dropping your middle finger down, and resting your thumb against your middle finger. Next, transition to an 'A' handshape by making a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Finally, form the 'T' handshape by tucking your thumb between your index and middle fingers.
Sign 'MY', 'FRIEND', 'NAME', and then fingerspell P-A-T smoothly. Keep your hand in a steady position rather than bouncing it for each letter.
Fingerspell P-A-T, then sign 'COME' and 'PARTY'. Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I', 'NEED', 'TALK', and then fingerspell P-A-T. Make sure to clearly distinguish the 'A' and 'T' handshapes at the end of the name.
Sign 'MY', 'FRIEND', 'NAME', and then fingerspell P-A-T smoothly. Keep your hand in a steady position rather than bouncing it for each letter.
Fingerspell P-A-T, then sign 'COME' and 'PARTY'. Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I', 'NEED', 'TALK', and then fingerspell P-A-T. Make sure to clearly distinguish the 'A' and 'T' handshapes at the end of the name.
In ASL, proper names like 'Pat' are typically fingerspelled. Unless a person has been given a specific 'name sign' by the Deaf community, you will always use the manual alphabet to spell out their name.
As a beginner, accuracy is much more important than speed. Focus on forming the 'P', 'A', and 'T' clearly and transitioning smoothly. Speed will naturally develop as you build muscle memory.
No, you should not mouth the individual letters (P-A-T). Instead, if you choose to mouth anything, you should naturally mouth the whole word 'Pat' as you fingerspell it, which helps provide context to the person reading your sign.
