In American Sign Language (ASL), the letter "I" is shown by making a fist with your dominant hand and sticking your pinky finger up. The other fingers stay curled into the palm. This handshape is part of the ASL manual alphabet. It's used to spell out words and names that don't have a specific sign. The manual alphabet is a key tool for communication in ASL. It's especially helpful for beginners who are still learning new words. Fingerspelling is common in many situations. You might use it when introducing yourself, clarifying a word, or when you don't know a specific sign. Culturally, fingerspelling is a big part of Deaf communication. It's often used with other signs to send clear messages. Learning the manual alphabet, including the sign for "I," is a basic step in learning ASL.
by Serena Clark
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