How to Sign "Alice"
To sign the name 'Alice', you will fingerspell the letters A-L-I-C-E using your dominant hand. Start with the letter 'A' by making a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Next, form an 'L' by extending your index finger and thumb at a right angle. Transition to an 'I' by extending only your pinky finger. Then, curve your fingers to form a 'C'. Finally, finish with an 'E' by curling your top fingers down to rest on your tucked-in thumb. Keep your hand steady in front of your shoulder as you spell.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, proper nouns like the name 'Alice' are represented using the manual alphabet, a system where each letter of the English alphabet has a corresponding handshape. Fingerspelling is a foundational part of ASL used for names, places, and specific titles that do not have an established sign. Unless a specific person named Alice has been given a unique 'name sign' by the Deaf community, her name will always be communicated by spelling out A-L-I-C-E.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling names like Alice, the most important goal is clarity, not speed. Keep your hand steady in a comfortable position near your shoulder, often called the 'sightline.' Try to avoid bouncing your hand up and down with each new letter, as this makes the word very difficult for others to read. Instead, focus on smooth transitions between the letters A, L, I, C, and E. Practice flowing from the 'C' to the 'E' shape, as this is a common combination that can feel a bit awkward at first.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make when fingerspelling 'Alice' is 'typewriting' or bouncing their hand outward or downward for every single letter. This creates a jarring visual effect. Another frequent error is rushing the transition between the 'C' and the 'E'. Because both letters involve curled fingers, beginners sometimes blur them together into an unrecognizable shape. Take your time to clearly define the open curve of the 'C' before pulling your fingers in tightly for the 'E'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Alice" in a Sentence
1My sister's name is Alice.
To sign this, you would sign 'MY', then 'SISTER', followed by 'NAME', and finally fingerspell A-L-I-C-E clearly. Keep your spelling hand steady.
2Is Alice here?
Sign 'A-L-I-C-E', then 'HERE'. Since this is a yes/no question, make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward while signing to indicate you are asking a question.
3I need to talk to Alice.
Sign 'I', 'NEED', 'TALK', and then fingerspell A-L-I-C-E. The focus should be on a smooth transition from the sign for 'talk' into your fingerspelling position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single sign for the name Alice?
Generally, no. In ASL, people's names are fingerspelled unless they have been given a specific 'name sign' by a Deaf person. Name signs are highly personal and unique to the individual, so you should always default to fingerspelling A-L-I-C-E when introducing or referring to someone named Alice.
Should I mouth the individual letters while spelling Alice?
No, you should avoid mouthing the individual letters (A, L, I, C, E). Instead, if you choose to use mouth movements, you should mouth the full word 'Alice' naturally, just as you would say it in spoken English, while your hand spells the letters.
How do I sign 'Alice in Wonderland'?
While you can fingerspell the entire title, some signers use a common initialized sign for the character Alice. This is often done by taking an 'A' handshape and sweeping it down the side of the face or hair, representing her long hair, followed by the signs for 'IN' and 'WONDERLAND'.
Related ASL Signs
