Spell a word · 5 letters

How to spell LAYLA in sign language

Layla fingerspelled in ASL is 5 handshapes, signed one after another with the palm facing out. Hold each for a beat and keep the hand in one place; the letters carry the word, not the movement.

ASL handshape for the letter LL
ASL handshape for the letter AA
ASL handshape for the letter YY
ASL handshape for the letter LL
ASL handshape for the letter AA

Letter by letter

  1. L Index finger pointing straight up and thumb extended outward to form an L; other three fingers curled into the palm.
  2. A A closed fist with the thumb resting upright against the side of the index finger.
  3. Y Thumb and pinky extended outward to opposite sides; index, middle, and ring fingers curled into the palm.
  4. L Index finger pointing straight up and thumb extended outward to form an L; other three fingers curled into the palm.
  5. A A closed fist with the thumb resting upright against the side of the index finger.

Fingerspelling is how ASL handles names, places, brands and words without a sign of their own. Many everyday words do have a sign, so if you are learning ASL as a language, learn that sign too; this page shows how the word is spelled with the manual alphabet.