The Alphabet and Fingerspelling

The American Fingerspelled Alphabet is comprised of 22 handshapes. These handshapes, when held in certain positions or moved in specific ways represent the 26 letters in the American Alphabet. This Alphabet is also called the American Manual Alphabet.

Fingerspelling is the process of spelling out words by using the handshape that corresponds with the letter. In the case of American Sign Language the American Fingerspelled Alphabet would be used. A common question is: When should fingerspelling be used?

A short answer to this question would be that typically: people's names, places, titles and brands are fingerspelled. However, items such as types of flowers and different foods, for example, do not have established signs. This being, many "words" do not have signs and commonly are fingerspelled to establish the concept.

Note: If looking to sign ASL or interact with others who know the language, the Alphabet and fingerspelling alone will not suffice.