Sign Language: ASL, BSL, and Visual Communication
The Observatory Almanac — Language & Communication
Sign languages are complete, natural languages with their own grammar, syntax, and cultural heritage — not simply spoken languages rendered in gesture. American Sign Language (ASL) alone is used by roughly 500,000 people in the United States and Canada as a primary language, and millions more as a second language. This guide introduces the ASL manual alphabet, the 50 most useful ASL signs, key differences with British Sign Language (BSL), universal gestures that cross cultural boundaries, and essential Deaf culture etiquette.
Part 1: The ASL Manual Alphabet (A–Z)
The manual alphabet (also called "fingerspelling") is used to spell out names, technical words, and any word that lacks a dedicated sign. Each letter has a specific handshape. All letters are signed with the dominant hand, held at about shoulder height, palm facing the viewer.
A — Make a fist. Thumb rests alongside the index finger (not tucked inside). Resembles a small fist with the thumb on the side.
B — Hold four fingers straight up together, with the thumb folded across the palm. The hand looks like a flat, vertical surface.
C — Curve all four fingers and the thumb into a "C" shape, as if holding a can from the side. Palm faces the viewer.
D — Point index finger straight up. Curl the remaining fingers and touch their tips to the tip of the thumb, forming a loop. The index finger stands alone.
E — Curl all four fingers down toward the palm (not a full fist). The thumb tucks underneath the curled fingers. Looks slightly like claws.
F — Touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb to form a circle. The other three fingers point straight up and spread slightly.
G — Point the index finger to the side (horizontal) and extend the thumb pointing the same direction. The other fingers are curled. Like pointing sideways with thumb out.
H — Extend index and middle fingers together, pointing sideways (horizontally). Remaining fingers curl into the palm.
I — Make a fist with only the pinky finger extended straight up.
J — Start with the "I" handshape (pinky up). Then trace the letter J in the air by moving the pinky down and curving it to complete the hook of the J.
K — Extend the index finger upward and the middle finger angled outward, with the thumb pointing between them. The remaining fingers curl to the palm.
L — Extend the index finger straight up and the thumb straight out to the side (perpendicular). Makes the shape of the letter L.
M — Place the thumb under three curled fingers (index, middle, ring). The three fingers rest on top of the thumb.
N — Place the thumb under two curled fingers (index and middle). Looks like M but with only two fingers over the thumb.
O — Curve all fingers and the thumb together so the fingertips meet the thumb tip, making an oval or "O" shape.
P — Similar to K, but the hand points downward. Index finger points down, middle finger angles out, thumb between them.
Q — Similar to G (index and thumb pointing), but angled downward.
R — Cross the middle finger over the index finger (fingers crossed for luck). Both extended, others curled.
S — Make a fist with the thumb across the front of the fingers (thumb crosses over curled fingers, not tucked inside).
T — Make a fist with the thumb tucked between the index and middle fingers, with thumb visible from the front.
U — Extend index and middle fingers together, pointing upward. Remaining fingers curled. Looks like a narrow U.
V — Extend index and middle fingers apart in a V shape (peace sign). Remaining fingers curled.
W — Extend index, middle, and ring fingers spread apart. Pinky and thumb folded. Three spread fingers = W.
X — Make a hook: extend the index finger, then bend it at the first knuckle into a hook shape.
Y — Extend the thumb and pinky finger outward (hang loose / shaka sign). Remaining three fingers curl in.
Z — Use the index finger to trace a Z shape in the air.
Fingerspelling tips: - Move your hand smoothly; don't pause dramatically between letters - Keep the hand at shoulder height, steady position - For double letters, slide the hand slightly to the side or bounce it gently - Develop rhythm — fingerspelling reads as a visual unit, not letter-by-letter
Part 2: 50 Most Useful ASL Signs
These signs are described by handshape, location on the body, and movement. Many ASL signs are iconic (they look like what they mean), making them easier to remember.
1. HELLO — Open hand, palm facing outward. Touch the fingers to the forehead and then move the hand forward and outward, like a casual salute.
2. GOODBYE — Open hand, wave it side to side (the universal wave). ASL uses the same gesture.
3. THANK YOU — Place the fingertips of a flat, open hand at the lips/chin, then move the hand forward and slightly downward, as if "sending" gratitude outward.
4. PLEASE — Place an open flat hand on the chest. Move it in a clockwise circle.
5. SORRY — Make an A-handshape (fist with thumb to side). Place it on the chest and move it in a circular motion. (Expression of remorse.)
6. YES — Make an S-handshape (fist). Nod the hand up and down at the wrist, mimicking a head nodding yes.
7. NO — Extend the index and middle fingers together. Snap them down to meet the extended thumb. Like a beak closing.
8. HELP — Place one flat, open hand on top of the other (which is in an A-handshape / fist with thumb up). Lift both hands upward together — the bottom hand "lifts" the top.
9. UNDERSTAND — Hold your index finger at the side of your head. Flick it upward (like an idea popping up). Facial expression important: raised eyebrows for "do you understand?", neutral for stating "I understand."
10. DON'T UNDERSTAND — Same as UNDERSTAND but with a head shake and negative facial expression.
11. MY NAME IS... — Sign MY (flat hand on chest), then NAME (cross index and middle fingers of both hands and tap them together twice), then fingerspell your name.
12. WHAT — Hold both hands open, palms up. Shrug or move them slightly side to side while making a questioning face (eyebrows furrowed).
13. WHERE — Point the index finger and shake it side to side while making a questioning face.
14. WHO — Point the index finger in a circle in front of the mouth (like a "who" wheel) while making a questioning face.
15. WHEN — Extend the index finger of both hands; circle one around the other and then tap it on top, with a questioning expression.
16. HOW — Place both bent hands together, knuckles touching, then rotate them forward and upward, opening them.
17. HOW MUCH — Hold both hands with fingers extended and slightly bent, then bring them together in front of the body while making a questioning face.
18. WATER — Make a W handshape (3 fingers extended). Tap the index finger side of the W against the chin twice.
19. FOOD / EAT — Bring the fingertips of the dominant hand together (like holding food) and bring them to the mouth twice. The movement is like bringing a morsel to your mouth.
20. BATHROOM / TOILET — Make a T handshape (fist with thumb between index and middle fingers). Shake the hand side to side.
21. HOSPITAL — Trace a "plus/cross" shape on the upper arm (like a medical cross symbol) with the index and middle fingers.
22. DOCTOR — Tap the fingertips of the dominant hand (in a bent position) on the upward-facing wrist of the non-dominant hand, as if taking a pulse.
23. POLICE — Place the C handshape against the left side of the chest (badge position). The shape represents a badge.
24. DANGER — Extend the thumbs of both hands. The dominant thumb brushes upward over the back of the non-dominant fist.
25. STOP — Strike the open dominant hand (palm facing sideways) down onto the open non-dominant hand (palm facing up). Like a karate chop.
26. WAIT — Hold both hands open, palms up and slightly forward. Wiggle the fingers slightly. Often accompanied by a patient expression.
27. COME — Hold the index finger up and curve it toward yourself (beckoning motion). Can be done with both hands.
28. GO — Point both index fingers forward (or one), then arc them in the direction of travel or simply forward.
29. SLOW — Use one hand flat, the other strokes slowly up the back of the flat hand from wrist toward fingertips.
30. FAST — Both hands in L-shapes (index and thumb out). Flick the thumbs forward quickly (like a trigger).
31. MORE — Bring the fingertips of both hands together in front of the body and tap them together twice. Fingertips of each hand meet their mirror.
32. FINISH / DONE — Hold both open hands up in front, palms facing your body, then flip them outward rapidly (palms facing away). Can be used emphatically.
33. OPEN — Place both flat hands together (palms down). Swing them apart like opening a book or a door.
34. CLOSED — Reverse of open: swing both hands together until palms nearly meet.
35. MONEY — Place the dominant hand (fingers bent, like holding coins) against the upward-facing non-dominant palm, then tap it.
36. FREE / NO COST — Cross both F-handshapes at the wrists, then pull them apart while twisting outward. Like breaking chains.
37. GOOD — Place fingertips of the flat dominant hand at the chin, then move it forward and down to rest on the non-dominant hand, palm up.
38. BAD — Place the flat hand at the chin with fingertips, then flip it downward and outward (the reversal of GOOD).
39. HOT — Hold a bent C-hand near the mouth and quickly twist it forward and away, as if tossing something hot from the mouth.
40. COLD — Hold both S-handshapes (fists) near the shoulders and shake them as if shivering.
41. SICK / ILL — Touch the middle finger of each hand to the forehead and the stomach simultaneously.
42. PAIN / HURT — Point both index fingers at each other and twist them in opposite directions (toward and away). Point to the location of pain.
43. MEDICINE — Use the middle finger of the dominant hand to tap in the palm of the non-dominant hand (in a circular motion like mixing).
44. FAMILY — Make F handshapes on both hands. Hold them with index fingers and thumbs touching, then move them outward in a circular motion until the pinky sides meet.
45. FRIEND — Hook the index fingers of both hands together (both bent), with one on top of the other; then reverse so the other is on top.
46. I LOVE YOU (ILY) — Extend the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger while keeping the middle and ring fingers folded. This is a combined I+L+Y.
47. MOTHER — Touch the thumb of the open hand to the chin (where the A in "mother" lives). Fingers spread.
48. FATHER — Touch the thumb of the open hand to the forehead (same handshape as MOTHER, different location).
49. INTERPRETER — Interlock the index fingers of both hands and alternate moving them forward (like two wheels turning together). Represents mediation between two languages.
50. I DON'T KNOW — Touch the fingers of the flat hand to the forehead, then flick the hand forward and away with a shrug. The "I have no idea" gesture formalized.
Part 3: Basic BSL Differences
British Sign Language and ASL are mutually unintelligible. They are entirely different languages with different grammar and vocabulary, despite both serving English-speaking Deaf communities.
Key structural differences:
Manual Alphabet: BSL uses a two-handed manual alphabet, while ASL is one-handed. This is the most immediately obvious difference. BSL letters often involve both hands interacting.
Grammar: Both ASL and BSL use spatial grammar (placing signs in space to convey grammatical relationships) but the specific conventions differ significantly.
Handshapes: Many signs that look similar may mean different things, or signs for the same concept use entirely different handshapes.
Regional variation: BSL has strong regional dialects. Signs for the same word can differ between London, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Prominent BSL signs that differ from ASL:
- HELLO (BSL): Open hand waves to the side (similar to ASL's wave, but may be more of a lateral movement)
- THANK YOU (BSL): Flat hand from chin forward (similar to ASL, but contact point and movement may differ)
- TOILET (BSL): T-handshape, different movement than ASL
- NUMBERS: BSL number signs are often distinct from ASL
Auslan (Australian) and NZSL (New Zealand) are closely related to BSL and share significant vocabulary.
International Sign (IS): A contact pidgin used at international Deaf events — not a complete language, but helpful for cross-national communication. It draws on iconic signs and common gestural vocabulary.
Part 4: Universal Gestures and Their Meanings
Many gestures cross cultural and language barriers, though some carry different meanings in different cultures. Use these with awareness.
Generally universal: - Thumbs up — Approval, OK, good (but offensive in some Middle Eastern contexts) - Thumbs down — Disapproval - Index finger to lips (shh) — Quiet/silence - Hands up, palms out — Stop, wait, I surrender / non-threatening - Beckoning — Come here (though in some cultures, pointing finger down and waving toward you is more polite than the Western one-finger curl) - Head nod — Yes (but NOT in Bulgaria or Greece, where it means no) - Head shake side to side — No (but in India, a head wobble can mean yes or understanding) - Pointing — Direction, location (rude in some cultures; use whole hand instead) - Waving — Hello/goodbye - Clapping hands — Applause, approval
Potentially dangerous misreadings: - OK sign (circle with thumb and index) — Means "money" in Japan, something obscene in Brazil, and has been co-opted by extremist symbolism in some Western contexts - Peace/V sign (two fingers up, palm out) — Peace in most places, but deeply offensive in UK, Australia, Ireland if shown palm-in - Pointing with one finger — Rude in many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures; use an open hand instead
Emergency universal gestures: - Pointing to your mouth + rubbing stomach = hungry/food - Cupping hands and bringing to mouth = thirsty/water - Clasping hands together = please/begging/urgency - Pointing to the sky and to your wrist = time-related - Crossed wrists = handcuffed/police
Part 5: Deaf Culture Etiquette
Deaf culture has rich traditions, values, and norms developed over generations. When interacting with Deaf people, understanding these norms shows respect.
How to get a Deaf person's attention: - Tap them gently on the shoulder or arm - Wave in their peripheral vision (not directly in front of the face, which can be startling) - Stamp on the floor if nearby (vibration) - Flash overhead lights on/off in a room setting
During conversation: - Maintain eye contact. In Deaf culture, looking away is like covering your ears — it cuts off communication. Don't look at an interpreter while the Deaf person is signing to you. - Face the person. Don't talk while turning away or covering your mouth. - Don't shout. If someone is Deaf, raising your volume accomplishes nothing and looks condescending. - If you can't sign, write it. Texting is ideal. Always have your phone available. - Don't speak to the interpreter as if the Deaf person isn't there. Direct all communication to the Deaf person. - Don't mime excessively. Attempting to invent your own sign language with wild gestures can be confusing and patronizing. Fingerspelling, writing, or using a phone is better.
Language and identity: - Many Deaf people (capital D) are proud members of a cultural and linguistic community and do not view deafness as a deficit or disability - "Deaf" with a capital D often refers to cultural identity; "deaf" with a lowercase d refers to audiological condition - Avoid phrases like "hearing impaired" (considered clinical and pejorative by many in the community) unless the person uses it themselves - Cochlear implants and hearing aids are personal choices — avoid commenting or expressing opinions unprompted
ASL is not English: - ASL has its own grammar and sentence structure (topic-comment structure rather than subject-verb-object) - Written English and ASL are as different as English and French - Signed Exact English (SEE) is a manually coded form of English, not a natural sign language
Interpretation etiquette: - Interpreters are professionals bound by codes of ethics — they maintain confidentiality and neutrality - Provide printed materials to interpreters in advance when possible - Allow extra time: interpreted conversations take longer - Sit or stand so that the Deaf person can see both you and the interpreter without turning their head
In an emergency: - 911 text services (in the US) allow Deaf people to text emergency services - Video Relay Services (VRS) provide ASL-to-voice interpretation via video call - Be aware of these options and mention them to Deaf individuals in emergency situations
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