Have you ever heard someone talk about ASL and wondered what it means?
ASL means American Sign Language.
It's a sign language that's mainly used by the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) communities in the US and parts of Canada, but hearing individuals can use it too.
ASL is a fully developed language with its own unique grammar, distinct from spoken English. It's communicated through hand movements and facial expressions.
In the United States, approximately 500,000 people use ASL as their native language.
But this number likely underestimates the total number of ASL users. That's because it doesn't include those who learn ASL as a second language.
ASL has a long history and is integral to Deaf and HOH culture in the US.
What Does ASL Mean?
ASL is an abbreviation for American Sign Language.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) people.
It's primarily used in the US and parts of Canada. But people from all over the world also learn and use ASL as a second language.
ASL is not a simplified version of spoken English. It's a complete language with its own grammar, structure, and rules.
ASL communicates through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
These elements work together to convey meaning in a way that spoken languages use sounds and words.
ASL is the main language for many people who are Deaf or HOH. But, it's also used by some hearing individuals. For instance, those who have Deaf family members or those working in related fields.
ASL is not universal.
Different countries have their own sign languages. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) is distinct from ASL.
ASL is deeply connected to Deaf culture and identity.
Learning and understanding ASL can help bridge communication gaps between hearing and Deaf communities. Doing so can promote inclusivity and understanding.
A Brief History of ASL
American Sign Language (ASL) dates back to the early 19th century.
Its roots can be traced to a combination of various sign languages. These communication systems were used by Deaf communities in the US.
One key influence was French Sign Language (LSF). LSF played a significant role in shaping ASL.
In 1817, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, an American educator, and Laurent Clerc, a Deaf teacher from France, founded the first school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.
Clerc brought LSF with him, and over time, it blended with local sign languages and gestures used by Deaf Americans.
This fusion eventually evolved into what we now know as ASL.
Before this, there were different methods of signing among Deaf individuals. But there was no unified system.
With the establishment of schools for the Deaf, ASL spread and became more standardized across the country.
ASL grew in recognition over the decades, particularly in Deaf education and communities.
There was a period when sign language was discouraged in favor of spoken language. But ASL persisted and gained recognition as a legitimate language in the 1960s.
This is all thanks to the research of linguist William Stokoe.
Today, ASL is a key part of Deaf culture and communication in North America.
How Is ASL Different from Spoken Language?
Many people make the mistake of assuming ASL is a visual version of spoken English. But this is not exactly true.
ASL is fundamentally different from spoken languages in several ways, especially English.
ASL is a visual language, while spoken languages rely on sound. In ASL, communication is expressed through:
- Hand movements
- Facial expressions
- Body language
ASL uses these types of communication rather than vocal sounds.
This makes ASL more reliant on sight, whereas spoken languages depend on hearing.
Another major difference is grammar and structure.
ASL does not follow English grammar rules. For example, ASL has its own word order, which is often more flexible than English.
ASL uses facial expressions and body movements to convey things like emotions, questions, or emphasis.
This sign language also relies heavily on spatial awareness. Signers use the space around them to indicate direction and location. It's also important for relationships between people or objects.
This spatial component is unique to sign languages. It's something that spoken languages don't typically use.
Finally, ASL also incorporates the use of fingerspelling. This includes using your fingers to sign each letter of the alphabet. It's used for names or specific terms that don't have established signs.
While spoken languages use phonetics to build words, ASL uses individual hand shapes to represent letters.
This may only be the case with fingerspelling. For signing words, you may combine different hand shapes.
ASL is a rich, complex language distinct from spoken languages in both form and structure.
Who Is ASL for?
ASL is primarily used by the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) communities.
For many Deaf individuals, ASL is their first language. It's an important part of their identity and culture.
ASL is often used by people who have experienced significant hearing loss later in life and are looking for a new way to communicate.
However, ASL is not limited to the Deaf and HOH communities.
But ASL can also be used by:
- Family members and friends of Deaf individuals
- Interpreters, educators, and healthcare professionals
- Individuals with communication challenges
- Anyone interested in language or Deaf culture
Many hearing individuals also learn ASL. This includes family members of Deaf individuals, friends, interpreters, educators, and healthcare professionals.
Learning ASL can help them connect with Deaf individuals in their personal or professional lives.
ASL is also being learned by people with various communication challenges. For example, non-verbal individuals or those with autism.
Anyone with an interest in language, communication, or Deaf culture can also learn ASL.
It's a valuable skill that promotes inclusivity and breaks down communication barriers. It's accessible to anyone who wants to learn ASL through various tools and resources.
Why Should You Learn ASL?
If you're wondering why you should learn ASL, here are a few reasons you might be interested in:
- Communication with Deaf and HOH individuals
- Cultural awareness
- Career opportunities
- Cognitive benefits
- Inclusive society
ASL lets you communicate with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. This fosters inclusivity and helps bridge gaps in communication.
Learning ASL also helps you learn about the Deaf culture. It helps you better understand and appreciate the experiences of the Deaf community.
ASL proficiency is a valuable skill in many professions. For example, interpreting, education, healthcare, and social work.
Knowing ASL helps you interact with Deaf individuals in these settings.
Like learning any new language, ASL:
- Boosts brain function
- Improves memory
- Helps improve problem-solving and multitasking skills
By learning ASL, you contribute to a more inclusive society.
As hard as it may seem, learning ASL pays off in more ways than one. It's a rewarding and meaningful experience.
ASL Bloom - the App That Can Help You Improve Your ASL Skills
Whether you're a native signer or a hearing individual who wants to learn, ASL Bloom can help you one step at a time.
When you install this app on your iPhone or Android, you can get access to:
- A comprehensive curriculum with in-depth modules
- More than 120 structured video lessons
- A visual dictionary with 1300 signs
- Fun and interactive exercises and learning tools
- Progress tracking tools
ASL Bloom is for anyone who wants to learn American Sign Language. It doesn't matter if you want to learn ASL to communicate with your loved ones or simply learn a new language. You are at the right place.
With ASL Bloom, you can learn ASL anytime and anywhere. There is no pressure, you can learn at your own pace.
By learning new signs and practicing old ones every day, you will learn ASL faster than you can imagine.
Download ASL Bloom today to start learning ASL.
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