ASL

Next, you’ll learn the five (5) fingerspelling rules and fingerspell common letter combinations, acronyms, and single words up to eight (8) letters in length. After that, you’ll learn how to correctly fingerspell multiple words. You’ll get LOTS of practice fingerspelling and understanding celebrity names, famous places, vehicles, and popular movies.

NEXT, you’ll get hands-on experience with real world fingerspelling skills. You’ll learn to sign complete sentences that mix fingerspelling and vocabulary signs. We’ll teach you handshape, hand position, and hand movement for each vocabulary sign with lots of repetition and practice.

We do review in two parts: 1) signing and 2) understanding (2 speeds). To make the learning process smoother, the understanding review has two speeds: slow and fast. As you become comfortable with the slower speed, you can level up to the faster speed.

This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any sign language experience.

Students will learn each individual letter at a slow pace to guarantee understanding.

Students will view each ASL letter from multiple angles to ensure precise hand and finger positioning.

Students will participate in fun activities to memorize, increase speed, and improve finger fluency.

Students will learn and apply the five (5) fingerspelling rules to improve communication efficiency.

Students will fingerspell and understand common letter combinations, acronyms, and single words up to eight (8) letters in length.

Students will learn to fingerspell and understand names, movies, places, and vehicles with multiple words.

Students will learn to mix fingerspelling and signing to communicate complete sentences in ASL.

Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand individual letters, the entire ASL alphabet, single words, multiple words, and full sentences.
Students will build confidence and gain hands-on experience as they prepare for fingerspelling and signing with other ASL signers.

Students will understand and be able to correctly apply the five (5) fingerspelling rules.

Students will be able to fingerspell and understand letter combinations, single words, and multiple words.

Students will be able to fingerspell smoothly and quickly with confidence.

Students will have hands-on experience with complete sentences which combine fingerspelling and signing.

Students will be more enthusiastic and self-confident as they sign with members of the Deaf community.

This course focuses on becoming proficient with the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling in American Sign Language. Students will build confidence and gain hands-on experience as they prepare for fingerspelling and signing with other signers and members of the Deaf community.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

No. This course is designed to include complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

Yes. This course contains multiple review and testing sections where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ASL signing and recognition skills.

My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). My brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and serve the Deaf community. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students will learn the asl alphabet with the letters divided into smaller groups and continual review.
Students will learn each individual letter with detailed explanations to guarantee understanding.
Students will view each asl letter from multiple angles to ensure precise hand and finger positioning.
Students will participate in fun activities to memorize, increase speed, and improve finger fluency.
Students will learn and apply the five (5) fingerspelling rules to improve communication efficiency.

Students will fingerspell and understand common letter combinations, acronyms, and single words up to eight (8) letters in length.
Students will learn to fingerspell and understand names, movies, places, and vehicles with multiple words.
Students will learn to mix fingerspelling and signing to communicate complete sentences in asl.
Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand individual letters, the entire asl alphabet, single words, multiple words, and full sentences.
Students will build confidence and gain hands-on experience as they prepare for fingerspelling and signing with other asl signers.

Students will learn the asl alphabet with the letters divided into smaller groups and continual review.
Students will learn each individual letter with detailed explanations to guarantee understanding.
Students will view each asl letter from multiple angles to ensure precise hand and finger positioning.
Students will participate in fun activities to memorize, increase speed, and improve finger fluency.
Students will learn and apply the five (5) fingerspelling rules to improve communication efficiency.
Students will fingerspell and understand common letter combinations, acronyms, and single words up to eight (8) letters in length.
Students will learn to fingerspell and understand names, movies, places, and vehicles with multiple words.
Students will learn to mix fingerspelling and signing to communicate complete sentences in asl.
Students will be tested on their ability to sign and understand individual letters, the entire asl alphabet, single words, multiple words, and full sentences.
Students will build confidence and gain hands-on experience as they prepare for fingerspelling and signing with other asl signers.

Syllabus

Introduction

Course Introduction

Learn ASL Letters A-F

ASL Info - Use Your Dominant Hand

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down the ASL alphabet into smaller, manageable groups, which helps beginners grasp the fundamentals more easily

Includes multiple review and testing sections, providing ample opportunities to reinforce learning and assess progress

Offers practice at varying speeds, which allows learners to gradually increase their fluency and comprehension

Teaches the five fingerspelling rules, which are essential for effective communication in ASL

Focuses on fingerspelling common letter combinations and acronyms, which are frequently encountered in everyday conversations

Includes practice with life quotes, which may add a layer of cultural understanding and context to the language learning process

Reviews summary

Asl alphabet and fingerspelling foundation

According to learners, this course offers a highly effective introduction to the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling. Students find the instruction clear and easy to follow, appreciating the detailed explanations and the presentation of letters from multiple angles. A significant highlight is the abundance of practice opportunities, including various speeds and engaging activities like deciphering quotes and fingerspelling names, which learners feel greatly helps them build speed and confidence. The course is widely recommended for complete beginners looking to build a solid foundation in this fundamental aspect of American Sign Language.

Focuses specifically on alphabet/fingerspelling.

"The course sticks strictly to the alphabet and fingerspelling, which is great for focus."

"This isn't a course for full vocabulary, it's just for letters and fingerspelling as advertised."

"It covers exactly what it promises: the ASL alphabet and how to fingerspell effectively."

"Understand that this course is foundational and doesn't delve into broader ASL grammar or signs beyond fingerspelling."

Seeing signs from multiple angles is key.

"Viewing the letters from multiple angles was incredibly helpful for getting the handshape right."

"The different camera angles are a game-changer for understanding how to position my hand correctly."

"Seeing the signs from the front and the side really clarifies the handshapes."

"This feature helped me check my own signing against the instructor's."

Perfect starting point for learning ASL.

"As someone with absolutely no ASL experience, this course was exactly what I needed."

"It's designed perfectly for beginners, starting slow and building up."

"This course gives you a strong foundation to build upon if you want to learn more ASL."

"Highly recommended if you're just starting out and want to master the alphabet and fingerspelling."

Detailed explanations and clear guidance.

"The instructor explains everything very clearly and breaks it down into manageable steps."

"I found the explanations for each letter and the fingerspelling rules to be exceptionally clear."

"The way they teach the letters and rules makes it very easy to understand and follow along."

"Everything was explained in great detail which was really helpful for a total beginner like me."

Numerous exercises boost fluency and speed.

"I loved all the practice sessions! The different speeds helped me improve significantly."

"The exercises, especially fingerspelling names and quotes, made learning fun and practical."

"There is so much opportunity to practice signing and reading fingerspelling; it's essential for getting better."

"The practice segments are well-designed and really helped solidify the material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ASL | The Alphabet + Fingerspelling | American Sign Language with these activities:

Practice Handshapes

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Practice forming the correct handshapes for each letter to build muscle memory and improve fluency.

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Review the handshape for each letter of the alphabet.
Practice forming each handshape in front of a mirror.
Record yourself signing the alphabet and review your handshapes.

Explore 'The Joy of Signing'

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Gain a broader understanding of ASL vocabulary and grammar to complement your fingerspelling skills.

View The Joy of Signing: A Dictionary of American... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Joy of Signing'.
Browse the vocabulary sections and learn common signs.
Pay attention to the illustrations and explanations of each sign.

Read 'A Basic Course in American Sign Language'

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Expand your understanding of ASL beyond fingerspelling by exploring the broader context of the language.

View Learning American Sign Language DVD to... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'A Basic Course in American Sign Language'.
Read the introductory chapters on ASL grammar and culture.
Focus on sections related to basic sentence structure and vocabulary.

Four other activities

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Fingerspelling Speed Drills

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Improve your fingerspelling speed and recognition through repetitive drills.

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Use an online fingerspelling practice tool.
Start with short words and gradually increase the length.
Focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase speed.
Practice fingerspelling common names and places.

Practice Fingerspelling with a Partner

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Enhance your fingerspelling skills by practicing with a partner and receiving feedback.

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Find a partner who is also learning ASL.
Take turns fingerspelling words and sentences to each other.
Provide constructive feedback on each other's handshapes and speed.
Focus on fingerspelling common names and places.

Create a Fingerspelling Video

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Solidify your fingerspelling skills by creating a video of yourself fingerspelling words and sentences.

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Choose a set of words or sentences to fingerspell.
Record yourself fingerspelling the chosen content.
Review the video and identify areas for improvement.
Re-record the video until you are satisfied with your performance.

ASL Fingerspelling Dictionary

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Create a personal dictionary of commonly fingerspelled words to improve retention and recall.

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Compile a list of frequently used words and names.
For each word, practice fingerspelling it and record yourself.
Organize the words alphabetically in a digital or physical notebook.
Regularly review your dictionary to reinforce your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete ASL | The Alphabet + Fingerspelling | American Sign Language will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sign Language Interpreter

A sign language interpreter facilitates communication between Deaf individuals and hearing individuals, often in real-time settings. This role requires a high level of fluency in American Sign Language, and this course helps build a foundation in fingerspelling, a crucial component of ASL. The interpreter must understand and convey the nuances of signed language, including the correct handshapes, positions, and movements, which are core skills taught in this course. This course's focus on practicing letters and words will be particularly valuable for the interpreter. The course emphasizes understanding multiple words and full sentences, and this is essential for accurately interpreting. This course may be useful since it includes varied speeds that are critical for interpreting live conversations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Educational Assistant

An educational assistant provides support to teachers and students in the classroom, often working with students with special needs. If this includes students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, then this course can be useful. An educational assistant can utilize ASL to help facilitate communication in the classroom, building upon the skills gained in this course.The course's focus on the ASL alphabet, fingerspelling rules, and forming complete sentences will help educational assistants communicate more effectively with students. The multiple practice formats in this course, including different speeds and formats, are helpful.

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Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher works with students with a range of learning differences and disabilities. This includes students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This course may be useful for a special education teacher, as it provides an introduction to ASL fingerspelling, which they could use to communicate with some of their students. Specifically, the ability to understand the ASL alphabet and spell words, phrases, and sentences will be crucial in educational settings. This course includes practice with common letter combinations and acronyms, which will be valuable for a special education teacher working with young children. The emphasis on understanding and applying the five fingerspelling rules may be particularly helpful.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech language pathologist works directly with patients experiencing difficulties with communication and speech. This includes some patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and use sign language. This course may be useful for a speech language pathologist because it introduces them to the fundamentals of fingerspelling. This includes the ASL alphabet, letter combinations, and full sentences, and it will be especially useful for a speech language pathologist who seeks to improve their ability to communicate with Deaf individuals. The course's emphasis on correct hand positioning and movement is directly relevant to this role.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

A rehabilitation counselor works with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. This includes clients who are deaf or hard of hearing. This course may be helpful for a rehabilitation counselor, as it provides an introduction to the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling skills necessary for basic communication. The ability to spell single and multiple words, as well as full sentences, will be useful for counseling interactions. The course's emphasis on clear hand movements and finger positions is critical for those who are learning ASL. This course may help rehabilitation counselors in their work.

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Community Outreach Worker

A community outreach worker connects individuals with resources and support, sometimes working with diverse populations. This may include members of the Deaf community. This course may be useful to a community outreach worker, as it gives them a foundation in fingerspelling, and this is a crucial part of communicating with Deaf individuals. By understanding the ASL alphabet, letter combinations, and how to form full sentences, this worker can better connect with and serve their community. This course offers practice with multiple speeds, which is critical for real-time conversation.

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Tutor

A tutor can work with students of all ages, providing support in academic subjects. If a tutor supports a student who is deaf or hard of hearing, this course may be useful, because it introduces the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling used in American Sign Language. The focus on individually learning each letter, practicing common words and acronyms, and the ability to form complete sentences will be useful to a tutor working with students who sign. The multiple repetitions of the alphabet, phrases, and sentences throughout this course are valuable for a tutor who seeks to confidently communicate with students who use ASL. The focus on understanding and applying fingerspelling rules is great for tutoring.

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Social Worker

A social worker provides support and advocacy to individuals and families, often navigating complex situations and diverse populations. If a social worker encounters clients who use sign language, then this course provides them with the building blocks for communication. Learning the ASL alphabet, fingerspelling rules, and vocabulary builds the skills necessary for initial contact and rapport building. The course's emphasis on understanding and practicing complete sentences is critical for a social worker. This course may assist social workers who wish to communicate with Deaf clients.

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Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative addresses client inquiries, resolves issues, and provides general assistance. This role often requires excellent communication skills. A customer service representative who connects with Deaf clients will find this course valuable. A foundation in fingerspelling helps the representative engage with Deaf clients who communicate using ASL. The course covers the ASL alphabet, practicing words, and the rules of fingerspelling, and this is key to quickly understanding inquiries and providing support. Learning to interpret full sentences may be beneficial for more complex customer service interactions. This course may be useful in this role.

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Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist supports employees with various needs. This may include situations where an employee is Deaf or hard of hearing and uses ASL to communicate. This foundation in fingerspelling, taught in this course, enables a human resources specialist to improve communication within their workplace. The course's detailed explanation of each letter, along with practice in forming words and sentences, will help a human resources specialist to be an inclusive and understanding resource for all employees. This course may be useful for human resources specialists in diverse workplaces.

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Translator

A translator converts written or spoken language from one language to another. While this role often deals with spoken languages, there is a need for translators who work with sign language. This course may be helpful for a translator who seeks to learn the foundations of the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling. The course focuses on the nuances of handshapes, positions, and movements, and this will be useful for translating between signed and spoken language. Although this course focuses on fingerspelling instead of more advanced sign vocabulary, this course may be a useful introduction. This course may be useful.

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Paralegal

A paralegal assists lawyers with legal work, such as drafting documents, conducting research, and interviewing witnesses. This course may be useful for a paralegal who must communicate with Deaf or hard-of-hearing clients or witnesses. The course focuses on the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling rules, which can improve communication and access to justice for those who use sign language. The course's focus on multiple speeds for understanding and practice is an advantage, especially in live legal interactions. The ability to understand and use single words and complete sentences will be invaluable for paralegals in this context. This course may be helpful.

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Librarian

A librarian helps individuals find and use information resources for work or personal interest, and they manage library collections. If a librarian serves a community that includes those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, they may find this course useful. The course provides a basic knowledge of ASL fingerspelling, and this is a vital first step toward better communication. The course's emphasis on practicing the ASL alphabet and fingerspelling rules is essential for librarians engaging with diverse patrons. While a librarian may not need to communicate complex ideas using ASL, the ability to understand and use basic spelling can still be useful. This course may be helpful.

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Therapist

A therapist provides mental health support to individuals and groups. This role often requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse populations. If a therapist encounters clients who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and use sign language, this course may provide a useful introduction to the ASL alphabet and basic fingerspelling skills. The ability to interpret and understand basic sentences in sign language will improve a therapist's ability to build rapport and provide effective support. This course may be useful foundation for therapists who work with Deaf clients. This role typically requires a master's degree, sometimes a PhD.

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Journalist

A journalist gathers and disseminates information to the public through news reporting. They are expected to communicate effectively with diverse groups. If a journalist covers stories related to the Deaf community, or if they interview people who use ASL, then this course may be useful. This course gives the journalist a foundation in ASL fingerspelling and basic communication principles. The course's focus on understanding correct hand positions, movements, and how to form basic sentences will be directly applicable to journalistic work. This course may be useful to journalists looking to improve their communication skills.

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The Alphabet + Fingerspelling | American Sign Language

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Asl alphabet and fingerspelling foundation

Activities

Career center

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