Handshape 5 represents the consonant phonemes /mmmmmmmmm, fffffffff, ttttttttt/. It is produced with all five fingers fully entended. handshape 5 is unique because in additional to representing consonant phonemes, it is also used when no consonant is present. For example, to cue the name of the letter "E", one must make contact with the mouth  placement. In that example, handshape 5 is used to contact the mouth indicating that no onsonant preceeded the vowel.

Alternate names for handshape 5 include the open handshape andthe null handshape.

Mnemonic Phrases

• too many fish
• my taffy
• miffed

Practice

Practice with Hadhsape 5 and Vowels