Sign for -ICAL Suffix in ASL
Quick answer: The -ICAL suffix in ASL is fingerspelled I-C-A-L. It is useful for recognizing longer descriptive endings in fingerspelled English words.
How to Recognize -ICAL
The ending I-C-A-L is longer than -IC, but that can actually help. Once students recognize it as a chunk, they do not have to rebuild the word from scratch.
| Dominant Handshape | I, C, A, L |
|---|---|
| Non-Dominant Handshape | N/A |
| Location | Neutral signing space |
| Palm Orientation | Varies by letter |
| Movement | Fingerspelled sequence |
| Non-Manual Markers | None |
Why It Matters
-ICAL often appears in academic, technical, or descriptive vocabulary. Recognizing it helps students move from slow letter tracking into pattern-based reception.
Common Mistakes
- Recognizing I-C but missing the full I-C-A-L ending.
- Stopping too early and guessing the word.
- Losing the A-L portion at the end.
Example
ASL gloss: LOGIC + I-C-A-L
English meaning: logical
Responses