American Sign Language is a natural and complete language with the same properties as a spoken language, with linguistic properties. However, the grammar is different from English because ASL is using the movement of hands and face.
Most deaf and hard of hearing prefer American Sign Language (ASL) compared to Sign Exact English (SEE) and Pidgin Signed English (PSE).
Where Did American Sign Language Get Started?
We don’t know for sure, but we’re confident that ASL started in the 19th century from the American School for the Deaf (ASD) with Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc.
Is American Sign Language A Universal Language For Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
Unfortunately, it is not a universal language because each country has its sign language that supports its spoken languages.
There are more than 130 different sign languages worldwide, like French (LSQ), British (BSL), and Australian (Auslan).
Is ASL the Same As Spoken English?
No, the American Sign Language comes with its own set of fundamental features, including rules for pronunciation, word formation, and word order.
For example, you’d ask a question by raising your voice’s pitch and may adjust the order of words.
For deaf and hard of hearing, they ask questions with their body language, like facial expressions by raising their eyebrows or widening their eyes while tilting their bodies forward.
Is American Sign Language An Actual Language?
Yes, deaf and hard of hearing people rely on it since it’s a visual language and a natural process, including its own set of grammar and syntax rules.
American Sign Language is not related to English as it has a word order that’s different and comes with its idioms, jokes, and poetry.
Like a person, animal, or thing, an object needs to be understood by two parties before information can be “signed” concerning the subject.
However, not all states in America recognize American Sign Language as a language. Out of these states, only 20 of them support by recognizing ASL as a foreign language.
Most people recognize ASL as a language itself for two main reasons:
- It comes with a structure, including nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- Maintains its own set of grammar rules to follow.
How Different Is American Sign Language (ASL) Compared to Sign Exact English (SEE) and Pidgin Signed English (PSE)?
Most deaf or hard-of-hearing people prefer American Sign Language more than Sign Exact English and Pidgin Signed English.
It uses fingerspelling, use signs that show gestures and ideas, and is an independent language standing on its legs with grammar and syntax.
However, it is not a manual version like Signed Exact English (SEE) or Pidgin Signed English (PSE).
Signed Exact English (SEE) is not a language because it is a “manually coded” form of English that uses some of ASL signs to work with unique gestures or inflections.
It allows you to sign word for word in English, just as if it was written or spoken.
With Pidgin Signed English (PSE), it’s a combination of ASL and SEE. Most people in the Deaf culture or community rely heavily on ASL; however, some people who happen to learn and sign later in life like to go with PSE.
At the end of the day, if you’re here and want to know which sign you’d start with – American Sign Language is the way to go since it’ll give you more flexibility along with an easy-to-understand approach when interacting with deaf and hard of hearing people.
Why Should You Learn ASL?
Most people do not realize how many people lose their hearing later in life, which is relatively common.
With a new language acquisition like American Sign Language, you’ll become a part of the social network that helps grow and enables deaf and hard of hearing people to participate in society more frequently.
Not only you’ll become more expressive with your face, but you’ll be able to enhance your abilities to read other bodies’ languages. You also would be able to hold “secret” conversations with your circle and gain new job opportunities with a second language.
If you want to learn more, you’ll want to read 25 Reasons Why You Should Learn Sign Language.
Is American Sign Language Easy to Learn?
Like any other language, it may be more challenging if you prefer to be an auditory learner since it’s a visual language.
On the other hand, if you’re a visual learner, it should be much less challenging because you learn a new language that relies on your sight.
It takes time with any language and becomes more intuitive when practicing consistency, including interaction with others.
Your fluency is likely to improve and grow when you focus on expanding your knowledge when using all of the tools provided on this site, from reading blog posts to taking online courses!
How to Start With American Sign Language?
Your first step is to start with the alphabet and then numbers.
It’ll help you build the foundation you’ll need to acquire more knowledge, especially with signs.
If you are looking for something more organized and interactive, you can get the first four lessons for free by signing up here!
Conclusion
American Sign Language is beautiful and considered one of the fastest-growing languages in the United States.
ASL is becoming more widely accepted by schools, colleges, and universities.
Just like other languages, American Sign Language is a living language that continues to grow and change over time.
What is the next and actionable step you will take when it comes to learning American Sign Language? Comment below!
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