The ASL Alphabet Explained ... how to sign each letter in sign language and common mistakes to avoid

[@ChrisGorges]

Ready for more? Learn ASL step by step with this playlist here kzbin.info/aero/PL2rZQvyPycXIx9DlxbLTUXt7Ajjat4L4I

[@madeleinephipps8334]

You’re the best Chris!

[@suzannemistretta9275]

I wish they would add this in all schools as a language.

[@ChrisGorges]

ditto

[@andreawallenberger2668]

And colleges/universities! (Hello, Middlebury College for crying out loud.)

[@lovecook6382]

Agree 1,000 times!

[@Royalty_girlie]

@@andreawallenberger2668 axtually a lot of colleges have sign language as a language course. By a lot I mean 12.... But hey, I'm taking it

[@catlee4068]

My highschool has a class!

[@cuzimspecial1]

I've been sitting here praciticing for like 45 minutes. Spelt my name, my wife's name, and my friend's name but all of us only have 4 letter names! So I somehow figured out how to spell "Pulchritudinous" in sign and then started spelling random things around the room. I think I am doing good with spelling right now, I can't wait to keep going and learning more signs!

[@ChrisGorges]

That’s awesome, keep up the great work!

[@Veran42]

I now this series is 3 years old now but if you read this know that this is helping me tremendously.

[@ChrisGorges]

That’s great 👍

[@ZullyJFAlvarado]

Thank you for clarification on letters a, e, s,n, and m. This truly helped

[@ChrisGorges]

That's great, I'm glad that the video was able to help

[@Cch_05]

I can't wait to meet a deaf person and see their face light up when they relize i can understand them😁

[@homeschooledliving1281]

super cool! I can definitely use this a homeschool resource!

[@ChrisGorges]

That's great that you incorporate some sign language for your homeschooling 🙌 We are thinking about homeschoolimg our daughter, any tips?

[@elisee3133]

Hey I’m a homeschool mom too! And have been teaching them a lot of asl. My 13 month old signs 15 things to me now! 😊 I love it! My 6 & 7 yr old also love learning it! Back in 2018 my daughter wanted to try a school, but then she only lasted a couple months before deciding she loved homeschooling more 😊 since they’re young we only do a couple hrs of book work a week and the rest of our “work” is hands on- asl, board games(like monopoly), Cooking(math), yoga & outside play(gym), piano(music) .. we just have lots of fun! But they’re always learning, we even bird watch on our walks now 😃

[@DrumboAgain]

I’m a homeschool child and I’m forcing myself to learn ASL so I can understand what two people I’m around are saying cause they learned it at a co-op.

[@Login2play]

@@DrumboAgain me too! The 1st half I mean.

[@kiaradevsaran2558]

AHHHH HOMESCHOOLING GANGGGGGG.......

[@lolli_popples]

My favorite letter is g, it’s easy, quick, doesn’t hurt my hand, and is hard to mistake. My least favorite is K. It’s hard; hurts my hand, and I don’t like it.

[@ChrisGorges]

Yep, I get it!

[@joyhall2010]

I LOVE how your videos are so well organized with time stamps, and sections along the video time line with labels and so on. Well done!!

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks :)

[@pamirsmart]

Hello, I am from Tajikistan 🇹🇯. Thank you for learning ASL.

[@overstimulated2634]

Thank you for making these videos, I’m slowly becoming non verbal and learning sign language has been such a help so I don’t have to always grab a phone and type out what I want to say, even if no one I know will understand what I’m trying to sign

[@pervoyakolbasa]

hi, can you tell me which hand should i do it with right hand or left hand?

[@pervoyakolbasa]

Answer pls

[@GachaSunnyii]

@@pervoyakolbasa You should use your dominant hand

[@PinkTea.x3]

I finally got it right after about an hour of practicing! I’m so happyy

[@ChrisGorges]

Great work!

[@Christina-mo5wh]

Thank you so much for teaching me how to sign my Z. I have been doing it wrong the whole time!

[@ChrisGorges]

Happy to help :)

[@nancybryant4325]

He makes it easy with his explanations.

[@ChrisGorges]

thanks

[@womanafterGodsownheart777]

This is a great video on learning sign language. I am an older adult wanting to learn sign language and this shows and explains the signs in a way that you can see and understand. Thank you so much since some of the signs in the book are hard to see. I really recommend this to others who are learning.

[@keirawhaley5884]

I chose sign language for my foreign language ( I'm homeschooled ) it's so much easier than Spanish which I also tried I did the LEARN ASL FAST with high-frequency words video first I only had to go over one or two things a second time and I only had to watch this video once

[@ChrisGorges]

That’s awesome, keep up the great work!

[@jdice6868]

I'm going to make myself some old fashioned study cards to practice the letters out of order. I'll be slow as a beginner as it is. If I have to do the alphabet song in my head between letters, I'll be even slower. I looked for a video of the ASL alphabet out of order. I couldn't find one. So until I'm comfortable with my cue cards of the out of order alphabet I won't move on. Thanks for the video!

[@ChrisGorges]

That's great, fingerspelling random words can really help with remembering letters out of order as well, plus, you can also test your receptive skills with some of these practice videos bit.ly/2NouSJF

[@fallenstar780]

Haha I still do the alphabet in my head to remember the order without having signs attached to them yet lol

[@charlenemack7040]

I find I can do A through Z easily but, if I do Z through A not easy at all. Maybe have a video with that someday. Also, I have arthritis and numbness in my right hand but I’m looking on the bright side and counting this as good hand exercise. Thank you for these very helpful videos. And, I hope they have A through Z emojis soon. 🦋.

[@florbaquero3685]

Thank you. I have learned a lot of about sign language with you. I do not have any background about ASL but you make it easy and simple to learn. I appreciate your dedication to help others learn such as important language which should be includrd as a subject in schools curriculum.

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks!

[@AnneBos-b2n]

I want to thank you a lot for your video's. They make it a lot easier for me to learn sign language on my own.

[@soundisonlyborrowednoise8269]

Thank you for being thorough. I was learning from a different you tuber and she just kinda just skips all the essentials. Thank you once again❤❤

[@eleanor2993]

You are from far the best ASL teacher I have come across over KZbin.

[@peytonoliver2665]

My high school has an asl option for language! I’m super excited to learn! I started late so I’m playing catch up this helps so much thank you!

[@lovecook6382]

I finally found a professor that explains position of hand! Thank you so much! Subscribed❤

[@bmwdriver89]

I just found your channel and am so excited to learn a new language/skill. Thank you for sharing

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks, I'm glad that you are learning a new language

[@mycacolvin9715]

Thank you thank you thank you... I'm usually pretty good with memorizing almost everything I intend to, ESPECIALLY things I am interested in! Yet I don't know why but, for the life of me I have NEVER been able to remember: F, G, P, Q or S!!! No matter which way I was shown! I don't know what it was about your delivery but I believe I've got the ENTIRE alphabet stored! So again thank you so much! ** I noticed you described the letter 'X' as tricky. I wanted to share what I came up with. (It seems to have helped my daughter too.) But with 'X' signed by bending or curling the index finger down... like a Hook ... so "X marks the spot, so says captain Hook" 🤷🏽‍♀️😌 if that makes sense

[@ChrisGorges]

I’m glad that this video helped you with memorizing the alphabet. I appreciate the tip for X marks the spot, that’s a great one!

[@Egip77]

My subscription now. Thank you and happy new year 2024 to all of you. Namaste 🙏

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks 🙏

[@Toddboot]

Thanks Chris! I am learning so much from your videos!

[@ChrisGorges]

That's great!

[@sarachaspice]

I almost skipped this video because I thought I knew the alphabet but I’m glad I didn’t. There are a few letters I was doing wrong and am now trying to commit to memory.

[@fivehuskys]

Thank you - excellent video. I am in covid home isolation and decided to learn ASL.

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks, I'm glad that you have taking the opportunity to start learning ASL 👍

[@dianabrown7946]

Chris, you are an awesome teacher!!

[@ChrisGorges]

Thank you

[@nonenone2760]

We really thank you for this resources , I wish that all the happiniess in the word for you 👍thank you so so much

[@Mother4Jesus]

For someone who is a “Lefty”, they would sign it the opposite way??

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, and in regard to the letter Z, I've actually seen it signed both ways, but basically you are drawing a Z in the air from your own perspective

[@scarlet2073]

thanks! im left handed to

[@roosterboy7357]

When you’re signing you use your dominant hand as the hand that moves

[@TheRexxrexx]

Thank you for explaining everything clearly and slow. Awesome video.

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks, glad it was helpful

[@josiahmcelhinney1673]

Great video and very clearly explained. Thank you!

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@wikydansa]

Thanks for the clarification! I learned the ABC's do long ago I was a little unsure abt the accuracy of my P and Q

[@ChrisGorges]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Do you plan on learning more sign language going forward?

[@johnpaulbeauhaire947]

Thank you Chris 😊

[@nonenone2760]

Thank you so so mich for this basics series 👍👍👏🏼👏🏼💙💙

[@Vohasiiv]

One thing besides the abc's that this taught me is that i really need to work on my hand flexibility.

[@aliyashaikh9610]

This is soooooo helpful thx and my weird quarantine wishes

[@ChrisGorges]

You're very welcome, thank you

[@aliyashaikh9610]

Np

[@milessheppard5854]

Omg thanks I love learning from you!

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks!

[@briannastarr805]

This was supper helpful thank you for this video I am currently taking asl classes and this video was helpful for studying 💞

[@ChrisGorges]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pervoyakolbasa]

Hey,Can you tell me which hand to use, left or right?

[@ChrisGorges]

Whichever hand is your dominant hand

[@betterburial]

I'm learning in case I have a deaf client who uses sign language, but I don't have anyone to practice with 😔

[@ChrisGorges]

That is great that you are learning sign language for a deaf client! If you'd like to find others to practice with, you are welcome to join our weekly group practice sessions here aslbasics.com/asl-group-practice-sessions/

[@sherlock7124]

im a month late but asl.ms is very helpful if u have no one to practice with

[@andreawallenberger2668]

Is this practice group still active?

[@ChrisGorges]

@@andreawallenberger2668 Yes

[@oli_3799]

my ring finger won't stay straight in "w" or the straight fingers "m", any tips for keeping it straight?

[@ChrisGorges]

Don't worry about making it perfect, just do the best you can 👍

[@georgejaniewicz1408]

I use the slowest speed and after several time I get the name. Of the hundred words, and I have mastered more, finger ASL as it would, verb - noun - adjustive and finger spell that or translate it, fast, medium, slow speed. Judy J.

[@ChrisGorges]

Keep at it, you seem like you are doing great and you'll only get better with more time and practice. Keep up the hard work 👍

[@Noname-kt9ru]

Your videos are all really helpful. 😊

[@ChrisGorges]

Thanks, I’m glad that you are finding the videos helpful

[@julialin1095]

Does it matter which direction your palm faces? For example, for the letter C, can you point your palm to the side so it makes the shape of the letter C, or should your palm face forward?

[@ChrisGorges]

Great question, technically the palm should be facing the person but many will have the tendency of twisting the wrist a little to show the outline of the C handshape, which is fairly common

[@tracyblackmer5321]

How would you distinguish an upper case vs lower case? I am guessing this is mostly ignored for convenience, but in case you had to share something like a password or a person's name that had had multiple caps in it so a person could write it correctly.

[@ChrisGorges]

Normally it doesn't matter, but if you had to, you could sign either capital, big, or tall before the capitalized letter you are referring to

[@Araielle]

Thank you!

[@ChrisGorges]

Happy to help :)

[@maxbro2911]

When I was in the 3rd grade I got a dictionary and it had the asl alfebet in the back, but it showed the letter "s" as the "x" sign exept with the thumb in the bend of the index finger, is that a old sign/variation, or is it wrong?

[@andreawallenberger2668]

Great, thank you! I knew a few but will definitely practice in a mirror often this week. One question: Is there a way to form e vs o so they are distinct to a viewer facing the signer directly? (E is flat and o is round but they look so similar to me right now, straight on.)

[@ChrisGorges]

If you are looking directly at the hand, the thumb gives it away, if the thumb reaches all the way across the other fingers, that's an E, whereas the O the thumb is just touching just a finger or two. Don't worry thought, as you get more comfortable and practice more, they will be easier to distinguish

[@mrsoutlaw87]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ChrisGorges]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@shadekunin]

Is it okay if when signing the letter 'u' 'v' or 'w', the thumb didn't cross the other fingers?

[@chriserony]

My ASL teacher was really strict about things like the screaming E. You threw me off in practice videos by using it.

[@MahrieGReid]

Good clip! However, I have severe arthritis and cannot make some letters as my thumb will not cross my fingers no matter how they are positioned. The alphabet I learned as a child (60+ years ago) used both hands,

[@lesliehowey295]

Mr. Gorges: I have a need to learn asl but have much concern about arthritis in my hands--not only is making it more difficult to form but will anyone understand me anyway if I cannot force my fingers into perfect shape?

[@ChrisGorges]

I've met a fair number of Deaf individuals that suffer from the same thing, some even have lost all control of the movement of their fingers, however they are still able to communicate. It does make it a little more difficult to understand, but when there's a will there's a way 🙂

[@lesliehowey295]

Thank u Sir for this encouragement, I will move forward with confidence =)

[@ChrisGorges]

@@lesliehowey295 That's great! 🙌

[@irmacuevas2471]

Thanks, i loved this class.

[@ChrisGorges]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. How long have you been learning sign language?

[@jerrywilliams5949]

@@ChrisGorges good stuff

[@jerrywilliams5949]

Been signing for seven years

[@jerrywilliams5949]

I practices every day, trying to get better

[@ChrisGorges]

@@jerrywilliams5949 Thanks

[@lcg6738]

question: i’ve seen C signed as the shape of C, but also the screaming E. which is it? i also have an ASL book that shows C as being signed like the screaming E. if that makes sense

[@kumarraaj1]

Thank you..

[@ashleyheffington9811]

Hello Chris.for two hand signals is your dominate hand leading? Like mainly doing the work ?

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, typically your dominant hand will be lead or do the majority of the movement

[@ashleyheffington9811]

@@ChrisGorges I want to get more practice I see deaf people signing in the stores and want to go up and start signing with them, introduce myself and ask for help signing etc. But I'm not sure how to approach them I know how to introduce myself just not sure how they like to be approached any tips,ideas would help I really want to connect with them

[@TheAngelsMommie]

Question what hand should you use to sign with?

[@ChrisGorges]

Whichever hand you use to write with (which would be referred to as your dominant hand)

[@anonymousperson4363]

I have a variance in the letter C where the hand is turned.

[@Marikomakesvideos]

i had a question i'd be glad if i get an answer to it , so if i am spelling something in ASL does it make a difference if my palm is facing towards the person in front of me or facing towards me ?

[@ChrisGorges]

When fingerspelling, your palm should face the person you are signing to

[@jsusna1972]

When you make the letters C and O, do you turn your hand sideways so the person can see the shapes of the letters? Or does your hand face them directly?

[@ChrisGorges]

Some do, however it is not necessary to twist

[@gamemasterz4026]

Sorry for the random question but does it matter which hand you use to sign ? My assumption would be whatever is your dominant hand but wanted a bit more clarification

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, you would primarily use your dominant hand 👍

[@pixelpulse883]

Quick question, i'm in Australia so most nonverbals use Auslan, i really wanna do this class but is it a waste of time considering the country, or do most things carry over? Thanks in advance

[@kalanigriffin22]

Does it mater which hand you use im right handed so its easier for me to use my right

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, for fingerspelling you would ideally use your dominant hand, in your case your right hand

[@Diana65]

For the letter J would I sign it towards my body still even if I’m left handed or outwards

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, usually lefties will sign the J towards the body

[@starriderkittykat9064]

I'm right handed but spell and do asl with my left hand. I'm slower with my right,can you tell me why this is?

[@briangrant774]

Chris, i'm curios ive taken it upon learn asl during my stay in place during the pandemic. i recently suffered a stroke rendering the use of my left side, useless any suggestion when a sign requires both hands? i don't want to confuse anyone i'm communicate with. i'd feel really bad about that. any advice? thank you, Brian

[@ChrisGorges]

Only being able to sign with one arm or hand is actually pretty common, my mother-in-law can't use her dominant hand due to a shoulder injury and I've met one Deaf man that only had one arm (lost it in a car accident as a kid). In most cases, people are able to understand someone even when they sign with only on hand or arm. In some cases you can use a table or other surface for some signs, but typically it's not necessary.

[@briangrant774]

thank you for your return reply i really enjoy you video. very helpful in my education on asl. respectfully, Brian grant be well and safe

[@reggie7bush]

Question Chris - how do you distinguish between the letter V and the number 2? I understand that 3 is used with two fingers and the thumb (so it wouldn’t be W), but what about V & 2? Thanks!

[@ChrisGorges]

Sometimes the 2 is done with the palm facing in to distinguish between the two signs, plus context usually helps a lot too

[@reggie7bush]

@@ChrisGorges ah yes I get it now. Thanks for the great content, it is very easy to follow your instructions. Already know 100+ words after starting last night! 😀

[@ChrisGorges]

@@reggie7bush Wow! Keep up the great work 👍

[@dezzy4688]

:0 now I can sign "My name is {insert my name}"

[@ChrisGorges]

Awesome 🙌

[@taaroshot]

Does palm placement matter? Like should your palm always face the other person?

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, aside from letters like G and H, your palm should generally be facing the other person

[@jayslife5524]

Nice ! 👍

[@mikewilliams736]

The only one i feel weird about is D. I would think that you CAN do it with the thumb across the fingers as a modified version to go easily from S to D and vice versa. In fact would that not be the whole point of why the number 1(when done in isolation) should be turned to face you (so that it does not look like a ...D)???

[@ChrisGorges]

That is a really good point and when signing with others it doesn't make or break the conversation either way, and to be completely honest, I find myself at times doing it like you described. Thanks for bringing that out.

[@mikewilliams736]

@@ChrisGorges I was really hoping you would reply and you did. Thank you very much.

[@FBarbarian]

what if I do the signing with my left hand - is the z still away from my body (that would make it mirrored compared to right hand signing)

[@jyoutube111]

Regardless of the hand you use, Z should be signed the exact same way, so essentially just drawing the letter Z in the air. So no, if you use your left hand, you would sign it the same as a right-handed person, so in your case it would start by going in toward your body. Just pretend you're drawing the letter Z in the air or in the sand!

[@Sunny_dayz.]

7:00

[@officiallyshroomie]

I've always wanted to learn Asl and this video really helped but why would you clarify that the e in Canada is different if Canada is different from America it is called American Sign Language so it shouldn't matter that it's different right?

[@ChrisGorges]

Great question, in Canada, there are several sign languages that are used, one of which is ASL (others include Quebec Sign Language LSQ, Maritime Sign Language MSL, Prarie Sign Language, and other indigenous sign languages as well)

[@officiallyshroomie]

@@ChrisGorges Oh ok, thanks!

[@drakebeasley5725]

Is there a less crammed way of making an e? I have arthritis in my hands and my thumb won’t go under my fingers

[@ChrisGorges]

If your fingers don't allow you to go as tightly as shown, just find a position that what works best for you while still maintaining enough clarity for the other person to understand

[@Noname-kt9ru]

I'm a psychology student. I badly wishthat ASL is included in our curriculum instead of Japanese language or any foreign language. 🙄 I believe that ASL would be much necessary.

[@obsessivelyobsessed5263]

are signs ambidextrous or do the letters have to be done on the right?

[@ChrisGorges]

Good question! You will typically finger spell with you dominant hand, so if you are right handed, you'd finger spell with your right hand

[@marialfantuladama8387]

Ty💝

[@ChrisGorges]

Welcome 🙂

[@truthangel5948]

I hope I can learn this soon. So hard now with people covering there face. Cannot hear them or read there lips 😓

[@ChrisGorges]

Yeah, I know it can be really difficult with the masks, our deaf friends and clients that rely on lip reading are having a hard time and can even be difficult for some hearing individuals. There are clear masks available and face shields are also sometimes used in various settings. We just have to do our best given the current circumstances

[@vassos7058]

Can the Alphabet be done with the left hand too?

[@ChrisGorges]

Yes, just keep in mind you'll want to primarily use your dominant hand for fingerspelling

[@constellationsinspace]

What happens if you have a name like Anna, which has a double letter? How do you not get it mixed up with a name like Ana?

[@ChrisGorges]

You would either slide the "n" over a bit to show that it is a double letter, or you could spell the "n" twice on top of itself

[@constellationsinspace]

@@ChrisGorges Okay, thank you! These ASL lessons are really helping me. I've always wanted to learn sign language and your videos have really helped me!

[@ChrisGorges]

@@constellationsinspace That's great

[@lophoccuabagrandmotherscla2643]

Please show me The Topic example “ today the topic is the sign of Alphabet “

[@noahnoah5847]

Z like j..from your perspective😎😘

[@akimkairudin]

Salam kenal Bekasi kota indonesia hadir

[@amandatucker8063]

I have always thought the signs for R and X look reversed. X looks like a little “r” and R has crossed fingers like an X. What’s up with that?

[@ChrisGorges]

lol, yeah, I never really gave it much thought but I see what your saying

[@ryann3177]

think of it as x marks the spot, because the sign for x almost looks like a pirate hook

[@isabellaury38]

How do you sign double letters? For example, the name Bella?

[@jyoutube111]

There are a few ways, but the most common is to slide. This means that you make the first of the double letters, then for the second, keep that hand shape of that letter and just slide your hand away from your body (slide to the right if you're singing with your right hand and slide to the left with your left hand). So for the "ll" in "Bella," you would make the L shape for the first L, and then for the second, just keep that L shape in your hand and slide your hand out a bit, then resume with the next letter. You can just look up "fingerspelling double letters in ASL" or something along those lines on KZbin if you want to see videos in action!

[@wendivalerio1198]

yeah me too Suzanne

[@DippyHippie]

I am deaf & I’m wondering am I supposed to learn the alphabet & phrasing?

[@johannepaquette969]

E and S are so similar

[@debbiegaudette7077]

doesnt "V" look a lot like the number 2?

[@ChrisGorges]

It sure does, so in many cases, the 2 will be signed with the palm facing yourself to help differentiate

[@rastrapatigorain2997]

Hummm🌿🌿🌿

[@nooknokiablackberrykindlef3006]

I wish my teacher Denise love to sign during Hangman

[@alisonibanez2875]

Why does the R look like an X and the X looks like an R? When all the other letters are more like their written letters

[@Paronak]

man, doing this with Trigger Finger is almost a torture.

[@florbaquero3685]

It is great the video but too fast to sign the letter as you do it.