Q&A for How to Fingerspell the Alphabet in American Sign Language

No, different countries or regions have different forms of sign language. For example, if you try to use ASL the U.K., people who have learned British Sign Language (BSL) might not understand you. However, some countries have adopted features from other countries’ sign languages.

Fingerspelling is helpful if you don’t know a sign for an individual word or if you want to spell out a personal name. Researchers from the NSF Science of Learning Centers have also found that fingerspelling is important for helping Deaf children develop strong reading and writing skills.

Fingerspelling is just one component of sign language. It allows you to spell out words using individual letters. Other signs are used to represent entire words.

Just ask. Either learn sign language, write it down, or just say it to him if he can read lips.

You could sign, write it out or, if he reads lips, then just say it.

Start with basic conversation words, like "Hello," "How are you," and "Nice to meet you."

Practicing allows you to use your hands faster and more steadily. There is no substitute; as you gain proficiency signing through practice, you will naturally become faster (and less likely to mess up).

It depends. Typically you'd use signs for the words, and spell out names.

You could try hiring a sign language translator to translate what you're saying to the audience, or if you're performing somewhere with a large screen, you could put up a PowerPoint presentation or video with subtitles to help convey what you're saying.

Non-verbal language has always existed. For example, when you nod your head for yes or shake it for no. These basic signs are ones that most people don't realize are included in Sign Language. Although there is some debate about the exact origin of Sign Language, in 1620, an instruction manual was published by Juan Pablo de Bonet.

With J, you first sign an 'i' and then point it to the opposite direction—towards your chest. To sign Z, you literally write a Z in the air with your index as if you were writing it on paper.

This language originated in order to help people who can't speak, using easy hand motions.

It's just "K" (like in the ASL alphabet) sideways, and how I remember "K" is that it actually kind of looks like the letter K.

Yes. There are many sign language apps. Start with the basics first. You have to learn the alphabet and numbers before moving on to simple and then complex words and phrases.

No. As long as people can see what letter you are signing, it won't matter.

No, it is kind of like writing with your left hand. I do it all the time!

Yes, you can use whichever hand you like, the effect is the same.

It will take longer to say what you want if you can only finger spell, but you can communicate simple messages this way if needed.

Finger spell them out if you do not know the sign for a word or phrase.

You only need one hand for ASL. You can use either hand, however it may feel more natural to use your dominant hand.

This depends entirely on your own personal interests. If you are someone who enjoys learning (in particular learning languages) this can be a fun experience. If you don't find learning new things enjoyable, then learning sign language is will not be as fun.

Practice for short period of time on a regular basis. You might like to revise the for 15 minutes a day, or half an hour every two days. Practicing for long periods of time on an irregular basis will only hurt your brain.

You sign it so that you can read it, or dependent on your dominant hand. So, if you were using your right hand for z - it would go left down to right. For J, it would be down and curved to the left. It would be the opposite if using your left hand.

Perhaps start with pen and paper, and explain that you want to learn ASL. It is probable that he'd be more than happy to help you learn, and it also ensures you're learning the official language.

You can pause, or use lip pattern to support the split of words. You can also use your thumb. Hold it upright, with other fingers inward. Tilt it slightly to sign "and/next".

There may be variations, depending on the location you are in. However, in general, the sign shown is the official one. You may be mixing this up with British Sign Language or another country's sign language. Alternatively, the sign could represent a sign name - which are assigned by deaf people.