5 Facts About ASL: American Sign Language Information You Need to Know
If you’re interested in learning and using American Sign Language, commonly referred to as ASL, it can be helpful to study the language’s background, as well as its prevalence and importance in today’s society. Here are five facts to help you understand American Sign Language more thoroughly:
Fact #1: The history of ASL
ASL has a long and rich history. It is believed to have its roots in Europe, where it was first created in the 18th century for the purpose of educating deaf students. French Sign Language played a significant role in its development. Over time, ASL evolved and became a distinct language in its own right. Currently, ASL is recognized as the primary method of communication for the Deaf community in North America.
Fact #2: ASL is a visual language
ASL is a visual language, in which meaning is conveyed through sign gestures, facial expressions, and body language. It is not a written language and has no written form. Like any language, ASL has its own syntax, grammar, and structure. Often, ASL speakers use visual metaphors and spatial grammar to communicate complex ideas.
Fact #3: ASL has regional variations
ASL varies in its signs and grammar depending upon regional use. The sign language used in the United States, for instance, differs from that used in Canada or the United Kingdom. The differences are similar to those found in spoken language, where accents and dialects vary from region to region.
Fact #4: ASL is recognized as a fully functional language
In 1960, William Stokoe, a linguist, argued that ASL is a legitimate language with its own grammar and structure. This position was not widely accepted until the mid-1970s after years of research by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Today, the American Sign Language Association confirms that ASL is a fully functional language.
Fact #5: ASL is an important language for Deaf people
ASL plays a vital role in the lives of Deaf people, as well as those who interact with them. Understandably, sign language is their primary method of communication. It is also essential to remember that sign language is not solely for Deaf individuals; it’s also an important language for family members, friends, and even healthcare professionals. Knowing sign language allows both Deaf and non-Deaf people to connect more efficiently and meaningfully.
Conclusion
These five facts about ASL emphasize the importance of sign language as a communication tool for millions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and around the world. Learning ASL can allow us to understand and connect with a community of people whose experiences and perspectives are different from our own. ASL changes lives, breaks down barriers, and fosters more profound levels of understanding.
