<P> Fingerspelling is a manual technique of signing used to spell letters and numbers (numerals, cardinals). Therefore, fingerspelling is a sign language technique for borrowing words from spoken languages, as well as for spelling names of people, places and objects . It is a practical tool to refer to the written word . </P> <P> Some words which are often fingerspelled tend to become signs in their own right (becoming "frozen"), following linguistic transformation processes such as alphanumeric incorporation and abbreviation . For instance, the sign - name for Cape Town uses incorporated fingerspelled letters C.T. (transition from handshape for letter' C' to letter' T' of both wrists with rotation an horizontal axis). The month of July is often abbreviated as' J-L-Y' . </P> <P> Fingerspelling words is not a substitute for using existing signs: it takes longer to sign and it is harder to perceive . If the fingerspelled word is a borrowing, fingerspelling depends on both users having knowledge of the oral language (English, Sotho, Afrikaans). Although proper names (such as a person's name, a company name) are often fingerspelled, it is often a temporary measure until the Deaf community agrees on a Sign name replacement . </P> <P> Sign names are specific signs which are associated with proper names (a location, a person, an organisation). Sign names are often chosen based on a salient physical property . For instance, the sign name for Nelson Mandela is signed using a flat B - hand that follows a hair - line over the head . The sign name for the bank ABSA is made with both hands following the movement implied in the company corporate logo . </P>

What is the status of sign language in south africa