ASL Alphabet Signs: Learn Them With Video

The ASL alphabet, also called the manual alphabet, gives every letter of the English alphabet its own handshape. Deaf signers use it to fingerspell names, places and words that have no sign of their own, so it is one of the first things most people learn in American Sign Language.

Each letter below has a short looping video by a Deaf, fluent ASL signer. All 26 are made with one hand, held up beside the shoulder at about chin height. Twenty four of them hold still. Only J and Z move: J draws a J in the air with the little finger, and Z draws a Z with the index finger. Several letters are made from a fist, so look closely at the thumb: it is the only difference between A, E, S, M, N and T. This group follows the alphabet category in the AISA School app.

Learn a few letters a day, then spell short words you already know, such as your name. When you are ready, practice in AISA School with your camera and get instant feedback on your signing.