Explaining the Basic ASL Sentence Structure

When you think about ASL, you might automatically assume it's a direct adaptation of the English language. 

But that's not exactly true. American Sign Language uses its own sentence structure that's nothing like spoken English. 

ASL uses a topic-comment sentence structure. That means a sentence in ASL starts with the topic and ends with a comment or description about that topic.

ASL can also use the subject-verb-object sentence structure, which is more similar to spoken English. 

Of course, there are other considerations that might alter the structure of a sentence in ASL. These include time and context, as well as non-manual markers. 

If you want to know more about the basic ASL sentence structure, keep reading. Learning ASL grammar is just as important as memorizing the signs. 

The Topic-Comment Structure 

Signing an entire ASL sentence can be done in different ways. 

While there are some rules for how a sentence should be structured in ASL, it also depends on many different factors. 

In most cases, ASL follows a topic-comment structure. 

The topic refers to the main subject or focus of the sentence. The comment is what is being said about the topic. 

Here are some examples of the topic-comment structure in ASL:

• STORE I GO ("I'm going to the store" in spoken English)
• DOG SLEEP ("The dog is sleeping" in spoken English)
• PIZZA I LIKE ("I like pizza" in spoken English)
• TABLE BOOK PLACED ON ("The book is on the table" in spoken English)
• CHILDREN OUTSIDE PLAY ("The children are playing outside" in spoken English)

In the first example, "STORE I GO," the topic is the word "store", and the comment is "I go."

As you can see, the topic of the sentence is established first. Then, the comment provides information or an action related to that topic.

The topic-comment structure is commonly used for more complex sentences. 

The Subject-Verb-Object Structure

In many cases, the topic comment is the preferred structure. However, ASL can also follow a structure similar to English. 

This is the subject-verb-object structure.

According to this ASL word order, the subject goes first, then the verb and the object comes last. 

These are some cases where the subject-verb-object structure may be used instead of the topic-comment structure:

1. In simple sentences (I LOVE YOU)
2. When the subject is the focus of the sentence (SHE EAT APPLE)
3. When talking about new information (BOY FIND TOY)
4. Commands and imperatives (YOU CLOSE DOOR)
5. With time markers (YESTERDAY I GO PARK) 

Time and Context in ASL Grammar

How a sentence might be signed in ASL also depends on the time and context. 

ASL is a highly contextual and visual language.

Establishing the time and context early in a sentence helps provide clarity. It also reduces the need for additional verbs or tense markers.

ASL does not use verb conjugations to express past, present, or future tenses like spoken languages do. 

Instead, it uses time markers. These are signs that indicate when something happened or will happen. 

For example, yesterday, tomorrow, last night, this morning, etc. 

They're placed early in the sentence. Once the time frame is set, it applies to the rest of the conversation unless otherwise changed.

ASL grammar and sentence structure also rely on context. 

Facial expressions, body language, and the order of signs provide contextual clues.

To form a perfect ASL sentence, you need to take both time and context into account. 

The time marker sets the temporal context. Facial expressions, body language, and the spatial arrangement of signs add meaning and nuance.

Non-Manual Markers

Non-manual markers make up an important part of ASL grammar and syntax. They include:

• Facial expressions
• Head movements
• Eye gaze
• Body posture
• Mouth movements 

ASL uses these non-manual markers to differentiate between different types of sentences. For example, declarative sentences, questions, and other sentence types.

In yes/no questions, the signer uses specific non-manual signals to indicate that they are asking a question. The key markers include:

1. Raised eyebrows
2. Slight forward head tilt
3. Eye contact with the listener

Non-manual markers are critical for indicating negation in ASL. They're often paired with negative signs like NOT or used alone. 

Common markers include shaking the head and a slight frown or pursed lips. 

Sometimes, the headshake alone can negate a statement without needing the sign for "not."

For example, let's say you want to sign "I'm not going to the store." You would sign this as "STORE I GO," but you would shake your head. 

How to Learn ASL Grammar?

If you want to learn ASL, it's not enough to only memorize ASL signs. You also have to learn ASL grammar. 

This also includes understanding the difference between ASL and spoken English. One is not a direct correlation to the other. 

ASL is also different from BSL (British Sign Language).

ASL is a visual language. Its grammar is based on how concepts are structured in space rather than through written words.

To learn and start using ASL grammar property, you should:

1. Start with basic ASL grammar structures, like the topic-comment structure
2. Learn the facial expressions for different sentence types
3. Watch native signers and imitate their grammar
4. Use ASL learning websites or apps like ASL Bloom
5. Take ASL classes or work with ASL tutors
6. Practice conversation with fluent ASL signers

Like learning spoken languages, it's important to practice on a regular basis. It will help you master ASL grammar much faster. 

This is very important for those who are just starting their ASL journey.

Practice ASL Sentence Structures with ASL Bloom

If you want to start learning ASL but you're not sure where to start, we're here for you.

ASL Bloom is a free ASL learning app that takes you through the basics of ASL and gradually builds up your skills as an ASL signer. 

ASL Bloom doesn't only give you an opportunity to learn ASL signs. You can also follow videos where native ASL signers show you how they construct ASL sentences. 

You can practice what you've learned every day and learn new signs every day. With each lesson you complete, you can get a new point for your weekly streak.

ASL Bloom is a fun, interactive ASL learning app. Apart from daily lessons, you can also get access to:

• 23 in-depth modules
• More than 120 structured video lessons
• Over 1300 signs and sentences
• Different types of content for learners at any level

What's more, there is no pressure! You can learn ASL at your own pace, anywhere and anytime you want. 

ASL Bloom is available for free on the App Store and on Google Play. Download ASL Bloom and start learning ASL today. 

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