Sign Language Alphabet
Learning the ASL alphabet is fun and very easy. The basic ABC’s in American Sign Language are made with 27 different hand shapes. Each hand shape represents a letter of the alphabet.
When practicing it helps to use a mirror, if you get in the habit of making the different hand shapes and having to look down at your hand you may have a hard time remembering to turn your hand around to face forward when you are using the sign language alphabet to spell your name or a specific word to a Deaf person you are signing with. Looking at an ASL alphabet chart or printable card while standing in front of a mirror is definitely the best way to start learning.
It is important when trying to learn the American Sign Language Alphabet to practice as often as possible. Fluency is vital when finger spelling with Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals. In comparison, a slow speller in ASL is the equivalent to spelling your name when someone asks you for your name. There are many excellent ways to practice finger spelling and they really wont take any time out of your day because you can do it through out your day, like when your driving, reading a book or even watching TV. That’s right! Even when watching TV!
Its easy, while your driving just spell all the license plates, street signs and stores you can see (be sure to pay attention to the road too… if you are driving). Same goes for the reading of a magazine or book, take a minute to spell a few sentences or “pages” if your so daring and when you’re watching T.V. you can either spell words you see or words you hear, and just so you know, not even a pro can not get every single word of a 2 minute car commercial.
There are some important things you should know when using the asl alphabet.
- It does not matter which hand you use to finger spell with, although most individuals use their dominate hand.
- Do not move your hand when spelling. Bouncing and turning your hands is very distracting.
- Hold your arm/hand in front and just to the side. Not infront of your chest or face.
- When spelling double letters just bounce your hand a bit or slide it to the side.
- Use the alphabet to spell nouns (person, place or things) and signs you don’t know (then use the sign from there on).
- Don’t spell every single word! In the begining stages of learning ASL you may do this but get out of the habit A.S.A.P.
The sign language alphabet is your very first step into the Deaf world and your spring board into learning and understanding Deaf culture.