American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that uses a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate.
It is the primary language of the Deaf community in the United States and is recognized as a distinct language.
ASL has its own grammar and syntax, and it is not simply a signed version of English.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of ASL and the unique features that make it a distinct language.
Table of Contents
Definition of ASL
ASL is a complete and complex language that has its own set of grammatical rules and syntax.
It uses a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
Unlike spoken languages, ASL has no written form and is primarily learned through visual and hands-on instruction.
ASL is not a universal language, and there are different sign languages used around the world.
ASL Meaning in Slang
In addition to its use as a distinct language, ASL can also be used in slang or colloquial contexts. In these contexts, ASL often stands for "age/sex/location," which is a common question asked in online chat rooms and forums to inquire about someone's age, gender, and geographic location.
The use of ASL in this context originated in the early days of the internet and was often used by individuals looking to meet and chat with others online.
It became a popular shorthand in online chat rooms and instant messaging platforms, where users would ask ASL to quickly gather basic information about someone they were chatting with.
Over time, the use of ASL in this context has declined, as the internet has evolved and new forms of communication have emerged. However, it is still occasionally used in certain online communities or platforms.
It is important to note that the use of ASL in this context is considered informal and should not be used in professional or formal settings.
When using ASL in its capacity as a distinct language, it is important to respect its grammatical rules and syntax and to be mindful of the diversity and variation within the language.
History of ASL
The roots of ASL can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the first school for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut.
The school, known as the American School for the Deaf, was established by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a minister who was inspired to help his Deaf neighbor's daughter learn to communicate.
Gallaudet traveled to Europe to learn more about Deaf education, where he met French Deaf teacher Laurent Clerc.
Clerc agreed to come to the United States and teach at the American School for the Deaf, bringing with him the French Sign Language that would eventually evolve into ASL.
Features of ASL
ASL is a visual language that relies on the use of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
Some of the unique features of ASL include:
1. Fingerspelling
ASL includes a system of fingerspelling, in which each letter of the alphabet is represented by a specific hand shape.
Fingerspelling is used to spell out proper nouns, names, and other words that do not have a sign equivalent.
2. Non-manual markers
ASL uses facial expressions and body language, known as non-manual markers, to convey meaning and grammatical information.
These can include raising eyebrows to indicate a question, tilting the head to indicate a topic shift, or shrugging shoulders to indicate uncertainty.
3. Sign variations
ASL signs can have variations depending on the region, culture, or individual preferences of the signer.
This means that there may be multiple ways to sign the same word or concept, and it is important to learn and understand the variations in different contexts.
Differences between ASL and English
ASL is a distinct language that has its own grammatical rules and syntax, which are different from those of English.
Some of the key differences between ASL and English include:
1. Word order
In ASL, the order of signs is determined by the topic-comment structure, rather than the subject-verb-object structure of English.
2. Verb agreement
ASL verbs are inflected to show agreement with the subject and object of the sentence, while English verbs are not.
3. Pronouns
ASL has different signs for pronouns, such as "I," "you," and "they," which are not based on gender or number.
English pronouns, on the other hand, are inflected for gender and number.
Importance of ASL
ASL is an important language for the Deaf community, as it provides a means of communication and expression that is accessibleand natural for Deaf individuals.
It is also an important language for hearing individuals to learn, as it allows for communication and connection with Deaf individuals and can promote inclusivity and accessibility in a variety of settings, such as education, healthcare, and social interactions.
Learning ASL
Learning ASL can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
There are many resources available for individuals who want to learn ASL, including classes, online courses, books, and videos.
It is important to note that learning ASL requires dedication and practice, just like learning any other language.
It is also important to be respectful of Deaf culture and the Deaf community when learning ASL, and to recognize the diversity and variation within the language.
How do most children learn ASL?
Most children who learn American Sign Language (ASL) from birth or at a young age typically acquire it naturally from their Deaf parents or family members who are fluent in ASL. This is known as acquiring ASL as a first language, similar to how hearing children learn spoken language from their parents.
In these cases, children learn ASL through immersion and interaction with fluent signers in their environment. They may also attend Deaf schools or programs that use ASL as the primary mode of communication.
For children who are born to hearing parents and have hearing abilities, they may learn ASL as a second language. In these cases, parents may choose to expose their child to ASL by attending classes, hiring a tutor, or joining a community of Deaf individuals who use ASL.
It is important to note that learning ASL as a second language may require more formal instruction and practice compared to acquiring it as a first language. However, with consistent exposure and practice, children can become proficient in ASL and reap the benefits of being bilingual in ASL and spoken language.
Is sign language the same in other countries?
No, sign language is not the same in other countries. Just as spoken languages vary from country to country, sign languages also have their own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
In fact, there are more than 300 different sign languages used around the world, each with their own cultural and regional variations.
For example, British Sign Language (BSL) is different from American Sign Language (ASL), with different signs, grammar, and vocabulary.
Similarly, Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is different from New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), despite both being used in neighboring countries.
While some sign languages may share some signs due to historical or cultural connections, they are still distinct languages with their own rules and structures.
It is also worth noting that some countries may have more than one sign language in use, depending on regional or cultural differences within the country.
Example
To better understand the meaning and structure of ASL, consider the following sentence in English and its equivalent in ASL:
English: I am going to the store.
ASL: STORE, I GO-TO.
In this example, the order of signs in ASL is determined by the topic-comment structure, with the topic being "store" and the comment being "I go to."
The verb "go" is inflected to show agreement with the subject "I" and the object "store."
Conclusion
ASL is a unique and complex language that is an important means of communication and expression for the Deaf community. It has its own set of grammatical rules and syntax, and it is not simply a signed version of English.
Learning ASL can be a rewarding and enriching experience, and can promote inclusivity and accessibility in a variety of settings.
Understanding the meaning of ASL can help foster greater awareness and respect for Deaf culture and the Deaf community.