ASL is More Than English Through the Hands: Comparing ASL to Spoken English

In a world dominated by spoken languages, American Sign Language (ASL) stands as a testament to the versatility and complexity of human communication. Used by many of the vibrant Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) communities of North America, ASL has evolved into a fully-fledged language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and expressive capabilities [1]. As we delve into the linguistics of ASL, we uncover fascinating differences that set this language apart from all others, challenging preconceived notions that ASL is simply a translation of spoken English.

Unlike spoken languages, which rely primarily on auditory cues, ASL incorporates visual communication through handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements. English speakers may adjust their wording or vocal pitch to convey meaning, while ASL users incorporate physical cues such as mouthing, eyebrow-raising, eye-widening, or head tilting, to indicate questions, negation, or emphasis [1].

Asking a Question

In English, changing word order or adding verbs can transform a statement into a question. Question words such as who, what, where, why, and how typically come at the beginning of a sentence. For example, “Where did you go yesterday?” In ASL, these question words are typically positioned at the end of a sentence, but can even be repeated at the beginning and the end of the sentence. Based on the previous example, with the question word at the end of the sentence, a person would sign in ASL: YOU GO YESTERDAY WHERE? Notice how the ASL versions of the question are represented in all capitalized letters. This is because ASL does not correlate word-for-word with English. Therefore, when signs are written, it is called “gloss” because we are not translating the language; rather, we are simply putting it into a written format [2] If the question word is used at both the beginning and end, a person would sign in ASL: WHERE YOU GO YESTERDAY WHERE? [3] 

Regional Variation and Fingerspelling

Similar to spoken languages, ASL exhibits regional accents and dialects. Just as specific English words are pronounced differently across different regions, ASL showcases regional variations in signing rhythm, pronunciation, slang, and vocabulary. Sociological factors such as age and gender also influence how people sign ASL [1]. Moreover, fingerspelling plays a crucial role in ASL and is used to spell out proper names or to signify English terms. This practice adds another layer of versatility to ASL, allowing for better integration of English vocabulary into sign language communication [1].

Pidgin Signed English

An intriguing aspect of ASL is the emergence of Pidgin Signed English (PSE), a hybrid form of communication that blends ASL signs with English grammar. PSE, also known as “contact signing,” serves as a bridge between ASL and English speakers, facilitating communication between communities [4]. In a BUILD series interview attached below, Lauren Ridloff, a Deaf individual, explains how her hearing partner, Josh, uses PSE to communicate with her: 

“[Josh] has learned signs but he puts them in the order to fit the way he speaks so it’s easier for a hearing person to learn...” [5]

Unlike ASL, with its distinct grammatical rules, PSE incorporates elements of English grammar while retaining ASL signs. PSE develops naturally among individuals like Josh, who have exposure to both ASL and English. It offers a flexible and adaptable mode of communication, allowing users to navigate between ASL and English conventions based on personal preference and context. While not considered a true language due to its lack of standardized rules, PSE serves as a practical tool for those learning ASL [4].

The differences observed between ASL and English underscore that ASL did not derive from or emulate English; rather, it evolved within North American D/HoH communities [3].

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References

1. What is American Sign Language (ASL)?: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-signlanguage#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20universal%20sign,ASL%20in%20their%20sign%20languages

2. ASL Gloss: Why are signs written in capital letters? http://hearmyhandsasl.blogspot.com/2012/04/why-do-i-write-my-signs-in-capital.html 

3. ASL vs. Spoken Languages https://www.linguisticsociety.org/sites/default/files/Sign_Language.pdf 

4. How Pidgin Signed English (PSE) Bridges ASL and English https://www.verywellhealth.com/sign-language-pse-1046856 

5. BUILD Interview: Lauren Ridloff Explains The Differences Between ASL And Signed-English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW6jTWborEs