What is American Sign Language, and does it have an alphabet?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that uses signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people. ASL is the fourth most commonly used language in the United States. Even though ASL is used in America, it is a language completely separate from English. It contains all the basic features a language needs to function on its own, including a finger alphabet, and rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence order.

American Sign Language is a system of hand gestures used to communicate to people with severe hearing impairments.