A touch alphabet and communication system is provided. The communication system uses a predetermined set of touch gestures, such as fingertip touch patterns performable on keyless touch-sensitive surfaces, to express the user's desired communication. The touch-sensitive surface may be the touch screen display of a computer, tablet device, cell phone, or a touch-sensitive pad, for example. The finger touch patterns are based on a limited set of unique and ergonomically pleasing finger positions that may be performed in a limited area. The touch alphabet allows the user to comprehensively communicate without looking at the communication device, and with just one hand, or in another implementation, with two hands. Thus, a user can comfortably tap an entire alphabet and related functions, with one hand, without having to visualize the user interface surface or hunt for individual keys.