Learn Sign Language

The ASL alphabet consists of hand signs for each letter of the English alphabet. Here’s a brief overview:

Image: American Sign Language Alphabet.gif

Image by Jazz Davis from Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

• A: Make a fist with your thumb alongside your fingers.
• B: Extend your fingers straight up while keeping your thumb folded against your palm.
• C: Form a "C" shape with your fingers and thumb.
• D: Extend your index finger while keeping the other fingers folded.
• E: Curl your fingers to touch the tips of your thumb
• F: Form a circle with your thumb and index finger while keeping the other fingers extended.
• G: Extend your index finger and thumb while keeping the other fingers folded.
• H: Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers folded.
• I: Extend your pinkie finger while keeping the other fingers folded.
• J: Trace the shape of the letter "J" in the air with your pinkie finger.
• K: Extend your index and middle fingers while placing your thumb between them.
• L: Form an "L" shape with your index finger and thumb.
• M: Fold your thumb over your fingers and extend your fingers downward.
• N: Fold your thumb over your fingers, leaving your index finger extended.
• O: Form a circle with your fingers and thumb.
• P: Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping your thumb between them.
• Q: Extend your index finger and thumb, and curl them downward.
• R: Cross your index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers folded.
• S: Make a fist with your thumb placed in front of your fingers.
• T: Extend your thumb while keeping your other fingers folded.
• U: Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers folded.
• V: Extend your index and middle fingers while forming a "V" shape.
• W: Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers while keeping the other fingers folded.
• X: Form a hook shape with your index finger.
• Y: Extend your thumb and pinkie while keeping the other fingers folded.
• Z: Trace the shape of the letter "Z" in the air with your index finger.

Learning common phrases in ASL will help you communicate effectively. Here are a few essential phrases:

• Hello: Wave your hand from side to side.
• Thank You: Touch your chin with your fingertips and move your hand away from your face.
• Sorry: Make a fist and move it in a circular motion over your chest.
• Please: Place your open hand on your chest and make a circular motion.
• Yes: Nod your fist up and down.
• No: extending your thumb, index, and middle fingers, then bringing the index and middle fingers together to touch the thumb a few times, resembling a mouth saying "no."

To improve your ASL skills, consider using these resources:

• Start ASL - Online Courses and Resources
• Handspeak - ASL Dictionary and Videos