The Alphabet

Sign Language is NOT JUST an alphabet where you have to sign each letter of the word you are trying to communicate. Sign Language is a complete language with a sign representing the concepts found in written and oral English. It's rarely required to spell a concept or word because no ASL sign exist. For example of fingerspelling would include personal names, surnames, medical terms, etc. The Sign Language Alphabet can serves as a great starting point to learn Sign Language just as the alphabet is a great starting point for English.

The Alphabet

The manual alphabet is a visual alphabet used by the Deaf and to communicate with others who understand deaf signing; Characters (letters) are formed by finger positions.

Double-click to add graphics

iidc.indiana.edu/cedir/kidsweb/asl.html

The Alphabet

The one hand signing system is used by Austria, Finland, Germany and Norway's signing communities with some minor differences

The Spanish BSL (British)

alphabet is signed with two hands.

Today it is barely recognizable by ASL signers.

BSL - the letter A

*merpetsales.com/sign-language/

ASL-American-Sigh-Language.php

The Alphabet

Apothecary Shop and Doctor's Dispensary

history.ac.uk/ihr/Focus/Medical/index.html

The goal of the sign language alphabet is to enhance communication when using ASL and to ensure the correct or specific meaning in technical language, in titles, medical environments, the correct address as well as in literature, poetry, and other settings where specific word usage is important..

The Alphabet

Letters should be shown with preferably the dominant hand and, with the palm outwards, in a comfortable position facing mostly toward the observer.

The only exception is with the

letters G and H. In signing these two letters the

palm should be shown to the side

The Alphabet

Correct position signing:

The position of the hand should remain steady at the starting point or follow the line of writing.

Any movement should be very

slight as not to call attention away from the signer.

Try these words:

HalloweenThanksgivingChristmasValentinePumpkinsMemorialHomesteadHurricane

The purpose of this task is to remain steady throughout the word

The Alphabet

To show new sentences, a longer pause should be utilized.

A large hand movement

distracts the receiver and moves the hand away from it's correct position.

When fingerspelling a word,

you should say the word while fingerspelling. Never say the individual letters. The letters represent a complete word.

Try these sentences:

I stayed up all night reading Harry Potter. It was a wonderful book.

I am ready for supper. It really smells good.

My cat is smart. He opened the cabinet where his food was.

The Alphabet

When two or more words are required to be signed alphabetically back to back (i.e. first and last names), to show individual words a slight pause should be utilized at the end of each word.

Try practicing these:

John HarrisYard GuardIndianapolis, INPaper fightJump ropeJack and JillPoetry ReadingShopping spree

The Alphabet

To show double letters, repeat the letter while using a slight bounce, or a very slight movement to the right.

Some recommend repeating letters by moving the hand slightly forward.

jc-schools.net/write/letter-write.htm

The Alphabet

Practice starting with 3 letter words then move to 4 letter words and gradually on through 6 and 7 letter words.

Assignments on the following slides are designed to enhance your alphabetical skills.

Remember that signing with a partner will help you to develop your receiving skills as will as your interpretation skills

The Alphabet

Capital characters can be shown by circling the signed character. It is used mostly for organizations or information where you do not want the receiver to misunderstand that you are not signing the alphabet but identifying a name.

“UN” for United Nations

“US” for United States

The Alphabet

Practice maintaining a slow steady pace in the beginning and then increase your speed without sacrificing a steady pace.

Remember that an ill placed

pause may confuse the receiver to think you started a new word or sentence.

Sign the things you see in this picture.

The Alphabet

Practice the alphabet with a partner. Sign the things you find in the picture.