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How to Sign the Alphabet in ASL

American Sign Language uses a combination of gestures, hand signs and facial expressions to communicate with a hearing-impaired person. Although many words have a specific gesture, sometimes you'll need to spell out a word --- such as a name or place --- in order to keep going with the conversation. While you'll adjust your fingers and the position of your hand to form the letters, only two letters --- "J" and "Z"--- use motion as part of the letter formation. Although you can use your right or left hand to form the letters, most people spell using their dominant hand. Unless specified in the instructions, all letters are formed with your palm facing the person you're signing to.

Instructions

    • 1

      Form "A" by curling your fingers downward into a fist. Point your thumb upward so it rests next to your curled index finger.

    • 2

      Form "B" by pointing your fingers upward and folding your thumb across the center of your palm. It looks similar to when you hold up the number "4."

    • 3

      Form "C" by curving your fingers into the natural "C" position, with your fingers curled toward the center of your body. If you're right handed the letter will point to the left, if you're left handed the letter will point to the right.

    • 4

      Form "D" by closing your fingers into a closed "C" position --- with your finger tips touching your thumb tip pointing your index finger upward.

    • 5

      Form "E" by curling your fingers downward and your thumb inward. It should look as if you're scratching someone's back.

    • 6

      Form "F" by touching your index finger to your thumb to your index finger tip, keeping your other three fingers pointing upward. It looks similar to the "OK" gesture.

    • 7

      Form "G" by making a fist with your index finger pointed to the side, palm facing inward. If you're right handed, it looks like you're pointing to the left; if you're left handed, it looks like you're pointing to the right.

    • 8

      Form "H" by adding your middle finger to the letter "G" formation. Your ring finger and pinky finger will be folded inward with your thumb.

    • 9

      Form "I" by making the "A" letter, but with your pinky finger pointed straight up. Your other fingers will be curled down with the thumb resting next to your index finger.

    • 10

      Form "J" by moving the "I" formation in a hooked "J" shape in the air.

    • 11

      Form "K" by holding up your index and middle finger and positioning your thumb in between your two fingers. Keep your ring and pinky fingers folded down.

    • 12

      Form "L" by pointing your index finger up and extending your thumb outward. Keep your other three fingers folded down. If you're right handed, your thumb will point to the left; if your left handed, your thumb will point to the right.

    • 13

      Form "M" by touching your thumb to your pinky's knuckle and curling your index, middle and ring finger downward. Your pinky finger will be curled downward, beneath your thumb.

    • 14

      Form "N" by touching your thumb to your pinky's knuckle and curling your index and middle finger downward. Your ring and pinky finger will be curled downward, beneath your thumb.

    • 15

      Form "O" by curving your fingers in a "C" shape but closing the circle to touch fingertips with your thumb tip.

    • 16

      Form "P" by forming the "G" letter while your palm faces downward and toward your body.

    • 17

      Form "Q" by forming the "K" letter while your palm faces downward and toward your body.

    • 18

      Form "R" by crossing your upraised index and middle finger. Keep your other fingers curled downward, with your thumb resting on your ring finger.

    • 19

      Form "S" by forming a fist with your thumb in front, touching your ring finger.

    • 20

      Form "T" by tucking your thumb between your index and middle finger, with all fingers pointed downward.

    • 21

      Form "U" by forming the letter "H" with your palm facing outward and your index and middle finger pointed up in the air; keep your fingers pressed together.

    • 22

      Form "V" by forming the letter "U" with your fingers spread apart to look like the natural "V" shape.

    • 23

      Form "W" by adding your ring finger to the "V" formation, touching your thumb top to your pinky tip. This letter looks like you're holding up the number "3."

    • 24

      Form "X" by holding up your index finger, resting your thumb next to your middle finger, and crooking your index finger downward.

    • 25

      Form "Y" by curling your three center fingers downward and popping your pinky and thumb outward.

      Form "Z" by wagging an extended index finger in the air in a "Z" shape.

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