Revealing the Exciting Secrets of ASL

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What is American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are Deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well.

ASL is not “English on the hands.” It has its own unique rules of grammar and syntax entirely separate  from English. For example, in English “I’m going to the store”, translates into ASL as “STORE, ME GO”.

In addition to grammar and syntax, ASL utilizes the space in front of the signer to convey meaning.  Thus utilizing three-dimensional space, whereas English is linear by its spoken nature given that only one word can be spoken at a time.

The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play essential roles in conveying information.

ASL is deeply integrated into the Deaf community and Deaf culture, serving not just as a way to communicate but also as a cornerstone of identity for many Deaf individuals.

How ASL differs from other sign languages

ASL is distinct from other forms of sign language used around the world, including British Sign Language (BSL) and French Sign Language (LSF). Each has its own set of rules and vocabulary.

	American Sign Language (ASL)	British Sign Language (BSL)	French Sign Language (LSF)
Vocabulary	Shares vocabulary with LSF but has unique American signs	Completely different set of vocabulary	Served as the basis for ASL, has its own distinct vocabulary
Syntax and Grammar	Uses “Topic-Comment” structure, relies on facial expressions Spoken English:  I’m going to the store ASL:    STORE, ME GO	Uses SVO (subject, verb, object)  structure, has unique grammatical rules Spoken English:  I’m going to the store. BSL:   ME GO STORE	Different sentence structure from spoken French, uses facial expressions Spoken French: Je vais au magasin (i’m going to the store) LSF:  ME STORE GO
Fingerspelling	One-handed alphabet	Two-handed alphabet	One-handed alphabet
Non-Manual Markers	Crucial for meaning, includes facial expressions	Uses facial expressions, different markers for similar concepts	Important, but specific markers can differ
Regional Variants	Has regional accents and slang	Has regional accents and variations	Less regional variation but some unique regional signs

The Structure of ASL

As stated above, ASL is not just “English on the hands”.  It’s a full-fledged language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary that’s distinct from English. Let’s break it down:

Syntax and Grammar

In English, the sentence structure usually follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order. In ASL, the syntax can be more flexible, but it often uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) or even Object-Subject-Verb (OSV) structure. For example, “I am going to the store” in ASL might be signed as “STORE, ME GO.”

Role-Shifting

In both ASL and English, the concept of “who is speaking” is crucial for understanding the context of a conversation. However, the way each language conveys this information is quite different.

In English, pronouns like “I,” “you,” “he,” “she,” “we,” and “they” are used to indicate the subject or the person who is speaking. Additionally, the voice’s tone, pitch, and volume can provide clues about the speaker’s identity and emotional state. In written English, quotation marks often denote spoken dialogue, and tags like “he said” or “she exclaimed” identify the speaker.

In ASL, the concept of “role-shifting” is used to indicate different speakers in a conversation. Role-shifting involves physically shifting your body position to “become” each person in the dialogue. For example, if you’re signing a conversation between two people, you would shift to one side to sign what one person is saying and then shift to the opposite side to sign what the other person is saying. This provides a clear visual cue for who is “speaking” at any given moment.

So, while English relies more on verbal cues and written indicators to denote the speaker, ASL uses physical movement, spatial orientation, and Non-Manual Markers to achieve the same goal. Both are effective but operate on entirely different sets of rules and conventions.

Non-Manual Markers

Non-manual markers (NMMs) in ASL are all the elements of communication that don’t involve the hands. Think facial expressions, head tilts, and even body posture. These markers are crucial for conveying tone, mood, and even the structure of a sentence. For example, raised eyebrows often indicate a question, while a shake of the head could mean negation. They’re not just embellishments; they’re a fundamental part of how meaning is conveyed in ASL. Just like how tone of voice or emphasis on certain words can change the meaning in spoken English, NMMs serve a similar purpose in ASL.

The Importance of Facial Expressions

Facial expressions in ASL are more than just emotive cues; they’re an integral part of the language. They serve as non-manual markers that can change the meaning of a sign or sentence entirely. For example, raising your eyebrows while signing can turn a statement into a question without altering the hand signs used. Similarly, a stern face can indicate that a command or request is non-negotiable. These facial cues provide context, set the tone, and offer nuances that make ASL a rich, expressive language. In essence, your face is like the punctuation in a written sentence, providing key details that help convey the intended message.

Additionally, ASL uses facial expressions and non-manual markers to add layers of meaning, which can also help identify the speaker’s mood or intent. For example, raised eyebrows can indicate a question, while a shake of the head could signify negation.

So, while English relies more on verbal cues and written indicators to denote the speaker, ASL uses physical movement, spatial orientation, and facial expressions to achieve the same goal. Both are effective but operate on entirely different sets of rules and conventions.

The Role of Body Posture

In addition to facial expressions, ASL users also incorporate body movements that are essential for effective communication.  The positioning of one’s body, the angle of one’s shoulders, and even the way one leans in or out can add layers of meaning to a conversation. For instance, leaning forward can indicate interest or emphasis, while leaning back might suggest disinterest or disagreement. These subtle cues work in tandem with facial expressions and hand signs to provide a full, rich context for understanding. Just like intonation in spoken languages, body language in ASL can change the meaning of a sentence, emphasize certain points, or even create its own kind of “accent.” So, when you’re learning or using ASL, remember that your body talks too!

Use of Space

In ASL, the space around the signer isn’t just empty air; it’s a part of the language itself. This “signing space” is used to convey specific meanings, locations, and even relationships between objects or people. For instance, you can “place” a person or object in a specific spot in the air and then refer back to that spot later in the conversation, effectively using space as a pronoun. This spatial component can also indicate verb directionality, showing who is doing what to whom simply by where and how a sign is made. It’s a dynamic way to add layers of meaning and context to a conversation, going beyond what can be done with spoken language alone.

Verb Agreement

Verbs can be directional in ASL, meaning the way you move your hands while signing a verb can show who are the subject and object. For example, the sign for “help” can move from the signer to the person being helped, visually showing who is offering help and who’s receiving it. This makes ASL incredibly dynamic and visually intuitive, allowing you to convey complex sentences with fewer signs.

Temporal Aspect

Time isn’t just an afterthought; it’s often the star of the show in ASL. The language uses a Time-Topic-Comment structure, where you set the time frame first, followed by the subject and then the comment. For example, you’d sign “YESTERDAY, STORE, ME GO” to say, “I went to the store yesterday.” This is different from spoken English, where time can be more flexible and usually comes at the beginning or end of a sentence. In ASL, setting the time first helps to frame the context of what you’re about to say, making the conversation clearer.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

1. ASL is Universal

Many people think ASL is understood by Deaf people worldwide. In reality, ASL is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada. Different countries have their own sign languages.

2. ASL is “English on the Hands”

Some believe ASL is just a signed version of English. However, ASL has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary that are distinct from English.

3. ASL is Easier to Learn than Spoken Languages

While ASL may not require vocalization, its complexity, including the use of facial expressions and body language, makes it as challenging to learn as any spoken language.

4. ASL is Only for Deaf People

While ASL is crucial for the Deaf community, it’s also used by hearing individuals, interpreters, and even babies before they can speak.

5. Facial Expressions are Exaggerated Emotions

Facial expressions in ASL are not just emotional indicators but are essential for the grammar and meaning of a sentence.

6. ASL is Lacking in Vocabulary

Some people think ASL can’t express complex ideas or technical terms, but it’s a rich language capable of conveying intricate and abstract concepts.

7. ASL Users Can’t Read or Write English

Many ASL users are bilingual and can read and write in English, although ASL is their primary language.

8. Sign Language is Only for Communication

Beyond communication, ASL is deeply tied to the Deaf culture and community, serving as a cornerstone of identity.

9. ASL is a New Language

ASL has roots that go back hundreds of years, drawing from various influences including French Sign Language.

10. ASL is Just a Collection of Gestures

ASL is a complete language with its own rules, not just a series of mimed gestures.

Conclusion

In summing up, we’ve delved into the intricacies of American Sign Language (ASL), highlighting its role as more than just a communication tool. It’s a robust, multifaceted language with its own unique grammar, syntax, and cultural relevance. ASL serves as a vital link for the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada, offering a one-of-a-kind avenue to express identity, share life experiences, and advocate for social change. So, the next time you come across ASL, keep in mind that it’s not merely English in hand signs—it’s a dynamic language that speaks volumes about the resilience, unity, and rich culture of the Deaf community.

What’s your personal experience with ASL? Have you ever communicated using American Sign Language? We’d love to hear about your journey—let us know in the comments below!