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Hi! I am Studyfin, your learning buddy. Today we will explore the wonderful world of American Sign Language!
American Sign Language is also called ASL. It is a visual language. People use their hands, faces, and bodies to talk without speaking out loud.
Fingerspelling is when you spell out words using hand shapes. Each letter of the alphabet has its own special hand shape. You use your main hand to make these shapes.
Let's look at the letter A. To make the letter A, make a loose fist with your fingers curled in. Rest your thumb flat against the side of your index finger.
Now, let's learn the letter B. Open your hand wide and point your four fingers straight up. Keep them touching, then tuck your thumb across your palm.
Try fingerspelling the short word 'CAB' using your hand shapes. How do we do it step by step?
- Start with the letter C. Curve your fingers and thumb like a cup to make a 'C' shape in the air.
- Next is the letter A. Pull your fingers into a loose fist and keep your thumb on the side.
- Finish with the letter B. Open your hand straight up, push your fingers together, and tuck your thumb.
- You did it! You just spelled your very first word in American Sign Language!