Sign Language Alphabet, Syntax, Grammar and Fingerspelling

The most important thing to understand when dealing with sign language is, that it's not the translation of any given spoken language into finger- and hand signals but a language all of its own which follows its own rules of vocabulary, syntax and grammar. Although ASL (American Sign Language) and BSL (British Sign Language) are wide spread, there are basically as many sign languages all over the world as there are spoken languages. The following are the signs for the alphabet from A-Z in ASL and BSL.

Vocabulary, syntax and grammar are all components of the linguistics of any given language, Sign language is partly fingerspelling, which means that a word is spelt out by the fingers letter by letter. It's obvious, that that's a rather time consuming method and therefore fingerspelling is only a part of sign language to express names and certain technical terms. Other components are body and hand movements and facial expressions, always in conjunction with the finger movements. Whereas emotions can be expressed in the spoken language by a change in tone of voice, facial expressions fulfill that task in sign language.

As any other language, sign language has its own rules of grammar. Whereas in most Roman languages verbs are conjugated, tenses etc., are expressed in sign language in a very different way, which simply has to be learnt. The same applies to syntax which is the order of words in a sentence, for instance: object, subject, verb. Again, different rules apply to sign languages.

It's evident that learning a sign language is a very difficult task for a non deaf person and can, due to the above explained rules, be very confusing.

As difficult as sign language may appear, there are many sets of signs which are internationally understood and a great help to communicate with deaf people without profound knowledge of sign language. An example is the sign for "telephone". Thumb and little finger are extended, the rest of the fingers is clenched and the hand is moved to the ear to signal: "I'm on the phone" or "I want to make a call." The sign is often accompanied by lip movements to indicate talking. Equally well understood is the dialing motion with the crooked index finger, although, in our modern times of touch phones, it may soon be outdated.

Eating or the wish to eat is signaled with making scooping motions with the hands toward the mouth and drinking by lifting an imaginary glass to the lips. Taking a shower is indicated by holding a hand over the head and making a circling motion, whereas 'bed' or the wish to sleep is expressed by clawing a fist at the cheek.

It's useful to know some signs for time. Tomorrow is expressed by the extended index finger touching the cheek and moving forward; yesterday is the same gesture, but the finger moving backward. Month is just the finger signs of 'M', week the extended hand, palm down with a finger of the other hand moving over the back of the hand.

Emotions like shouting, laughing and crying have to be expressed by mimicry.

A whole different set of signs exists for deaf children in relation to their parents, family and needs. Another interesting fact is that there is also sign language for the left handed.

Here is I love you:

Here are two useful links for more information and on ASL Courses. www.signedlanguage.co.uk and www.signinonline.com.