How many handshapes are there in Cued Speech?

Cued Speech employs eight distinct handshapes to visually represent the phonemes of spoken language, creating a bridge between the spoken and visual components of communication, especially for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Each handshape correlates with specific speech sounds, and when combined with the placement and movement of the hand near the mouth, they provide clarity to the spoken language being represented. This system is particularly useful for enhancing phonemic awareness and aiding in literacy development.

The eight handshapes are designed to encompass the phonetic elements of the corresponding spoken language, making it an effective tool for communication and education. By using these handshapes, deaf and hard of hearing students can better understand and produce spoken language, thus improving their overall communication skills.