American Sign Language (ASL) is a visually rich and intricate language used by many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals throughout North America. Far from being a simple set of gestures, ASL is a complete and natural language, boasting its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, entirely independent of spoken English. It serves as the primary mode of communication for a vibrant community and is increasingly learned by hearing individuals seeking to connect with and understand the Deaf world.
What Exactly is American Sign Language?
At its core, American Sign Language is a language expressed through visual and manual modalities. This means that instead of relying on sound, ASL uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. It’s a common misconception that ASL is simply a signed version of English. In reality, ASL possesses its own unique grammatical structure, which differs significantly from English. For example, sentence structure in ASL often follows a Subject-Object-Verb order, unlike the Subject-Verb-Object structure common in English.
ASL is a fully developed, natural language, just like spoken languages such as English, Spanish, or French. It is not based on English or any other spoken language. It’s a vibrant language used by Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people alike. Understanding ASL involves more than just knowing the signs; it requires grasping its grammatical rules, cultural context, and the rich expressions conveyed through the face and body.
Is Sign Language the Same Across the World?
Just as spoken languages vary from country to country, sign languages are not universal. There isn’t a single, global sign language understood by everyone. Different countries and regions have developed their own distinct sign languages. For example, British Sign Language (BSL), used in the United Kingdom, is completely different from ASL. Someone fluent in ASL would likely find BSL incomprehensible without specific learning.
While ASL is primarily used in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, its influence has spread to other parts of the world. Some countries have incorporated elements of ASL into their own national sign languages, but these are still considered separate languages. This linguistic diversity highlights the rich tapestry of Deaf cultures and communication methods around the globe.
Where Did ASL Originate?
Unlike some languages that have documented origins and inventors, ASL arose organically over time. It wasn’t created by a single person or committee. Historical accounts suggest that ASL began to take shape over 200 years ago. Its development is largely attributed to the blending of local sign languages already in use in America with French Sign Language (LSF), also known as Langue des Signes Française.
In the early 19th century, Laurent Clerc, a Deaf teacher from France, and Thomas Gallaudet, an American hearing man, co-founded the first school for the deaf in the United States. Clerc brought with him French Sign Language, which interacted with existing sign systems in America. Over generations, this interaction led to the evolution of what we now know as modern ASL. While ASL retains some similarities to LSF, they have diverged significantly and are now considered distinct and mutually unintelligible languages. ASL is a testament to the natural evolution of language within a community, adapting and growing to meet the communicative needs of its users.
How Does ASL Compare to Spoken Language?
ASL is not simply a visual representation of English; it is a fully autonomous language system, separate and distinct from English in its structure and form. It encompasses all the essential components of language, including phonology (though visual), morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. ASL has its own rules for how signs are formed (handshape, movement, location, palm orientation, and non-manual markers), how words are created, and how sentences are structured.
Just as spoken languages employ various methods to signal different grammatical functions, ASL utilizes visual cues. For instance, in English, we might raise our voice pitch or change word order to ask a question. In ASL, questioning is often indicated by non-manual markers such as raised eyebrows, widened eyes, and a forward tilt of the body. These visual grammatical markers are integral to ASL and demonstrate its sophistication as a linguistic system.
Furthermore, like all languages, ASL exhibits variations in expression. Individual signers have their unique styles, and regional dialects and accents exist within ASL, mirroring the variations found in spoken English. Just as pronunciation and vocabulary can differ across regions in the English-speaking world, ASL has regional variations in signing rhythm, slang, and the specific signs used for certain concepts. Sociological factors such as age and gender also contribute to the diversity within ASL, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of language itself.
An important feature of ASL is fingerspelling, which is used to spell out English words by assigning a specific handshape to each letter of the English alphabet. Fingerspelling is frequently used for proper nouns, names, or to clarify the English equivalent of a sign. However, it’s crucial to understand that fingerspelling is a tool within ASL and not the foundation of the language itself.
How Do Children Typically Learn ASL?
Language acquisition typically begins in early childhood, primarily through parents or caregivers. For deaf children born into Deaf families where ASL is already used, language acquisition occurs naturally, mirroring how hearing children learn spoken language from hearing parents. These children are immersed in ASL from birth and acquire it as their first language.
However, the reality is that approximately 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who often have no prior experience with sign language. In these situations, the path to language acquisition can be different. Many hearing parents choose to learn ASL alongside their deaf child, recognizing the importance of early language exposure. Deaf children with hearing parents often learn ASL through interactions with deaf peers, community members, and within educational settings, eventually becoming fluent in the language. Early and consistent exposure to ASL is vital for deaf children’s linguistic, cognitive, and social development.
Why is Early Language Learning Emphasized?
Research consistently highlights the critical importance of early language exposure for all children, and this is particularly true for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The earlier a child is exposed to and begins to acquire language, whether spoken or signed, the more positive the impact on their overall development. The first few years of life are a crucial period for language development, and even the initial months are significant for establishing effective communication.
Recognizing this critical window, newborn hearing screenings are now standard practice in nearly all hospitals in the United States and its territories. These screenings identify babies who may have hearing loss shortly after birth, providing parents with the opportunity to explore communication options and begin the language learning process during this vital early stage. Early intervention and language acquisition are key to ensuring deaf and hard-of-hearing children reach their full potential.
What Research is Being Conducted on ASL?
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) actively supports research into ASL and other sign languages. This research encompasses various aspects, including language acquisition, linguistic structure, and the neurobiology of sign language. Funded studies explore ASL grammar, development, and the use of sign language in situations where spoken language access is compromised, such as due to trauma, degenerative diseases, or early hearing loss.
Studying sign language also offers valuable insights into the fundamental workings of the human brain and language development. Research has shown that the brain processes complex phrases in the same areas regardless of whether they are signed or spoken, indicating a shared neural basis for language. A deeper understanding of the neurobiology of language can lead to advancements in treating language impairments, utilizing signs and gestures in therapy, and improving diagnostic tools for language difficulties in both deaf and hearing individuals.
Furthermore, the NIDCD supports research on emerging sign languages that develop in isolated communities with limited external linguistic influence. These unique linguistic environments provide a window into the core elements of natural language and allow researchers to study the complex interplay between innate human language abilities, the surrounding language environment, and language learning outcomes. For those interested in participating in or learning more about these studies, the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website offers further information.
Where Can I Find More Information About ASL?
For individuals seeking additional information about American Sign Language and related topics, the NIDCD provides a directory of organizations. This directory serves as a valuable resource for connecting with organizations that offer information and support related to hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language disorders and processes. Exploring these resources can provide deeper insights into ASL, Deaf culture, and the broader field of communication.
