American Sign Language (ASL) is the sing language most deaf people use when they communicate with one another. ASL has its own structure, different from English. It has its own rules, word order, and grammar. ASL also has its own slang expressions and dialects. These will vary according to a signer’s background. These are often referred to as “regional signs.” When a word does not have its own sign, ASL signers resort to the manual alphabet.
Sign language has become more and more popular over the last two decades. With increased exposure by the media, people everywhere have fascinated with this beautiful, visual language.
This site has been designed to introduce you to the most basic yet important features of sign language: the manual alphabet and numbers, the basic grammatical rules, and a beginner vocabulary.
One of the handy things about this site is you can view this on your portable devices. When you have a minute to spare – while in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, or waiting at the doctor’s office pull it up practice.
Try to remember, however, that sign language is a difficult language to learn. To maximize your learning, take a class or find real life opportunities where you can sign.
As you continue to learn ASL, you will find yourself developing a real connection to this language’s culture and heritage. An even truer appreciation will come from association with those who are deaf.
It is important to remember that ASL is not universal. Most American Sign Language users will not understand British or Japanese sign language users, for example. Just as there is o universal spoken language, there is no universal sign language.
Spoken languages are based on sounds. ASL is what is called a “visual spatial” language. Part of learning this language is recognizing that ASL is more than just a set of signs made with hands. The facial expressions, head movements, and gestures that accompany the signs are equally important. Many people falsely believe that ASL is merely a system by which a person can finger spell English words.
Finger spelling is most certainly a part of communicating in ASL. Still, the vocabulary of ASl consists primarily of signs. ASL is constantly changing i order to keep up with our changing world and its new technologies.
Culture is immensely important to deaf people. Just like in any other culture, deaf people related to one another and share their experiences The deaf community is closely bound through its language, as well as various other cultural aspects.
DEAF COMMUNITY
The deaf community is a group of people who share a common language. In certain cities, the deaf community has an unusually strong presence because of its educational, employment, cultural, a social opportunities.
It wasn’t until the 1960’s that educational options were made available for deaf children. Until then, most deaf children attended residential schools for the deaf, and these schools became their communities. Deaf clubs were open seven days a week, and became the epicenters of socialization for deaf communities, The clubs were where cards were played, movies were watched (captioned, of course), and deaf people could “chat.” The clubs sometimes also offered sporting competitions, because sports are a favorite pastime among deaf communities. (One need not ear in order the excel in sports.) Nowadays, there are so many other ways for deaf people to communicate. Deaf clubs don’t hold nearly the same presence in today’d world as hey once did.
SIGNING NAMES
Rather than spell out a person’s name, deaf people give one another name signs. The name sign is usually inspired by a person’s physical feature or characteristic. For example, Linda has a beauty mark on her cheek: as a result, her name sign might be the ASL Letter “L” placed on her cheek. Another example: Abigail is a generous and kind woman. Her name sign might become a right hand shaped for A on the left side of the chest to indicate that she has a big heart. Traditionally, these names are given to people – not assigned to one’s self. It is important to note that hearing people are discouraged from giving sign names.
GETTING ATTENTION AND BASIC COMMUNICATION
Hearing people are able to call out to other hearing people in order to get their attention. Deaf people, on the other hand, normally wave rather than call. The size and intensity of the wave depend on how far away a person is. When a deaf person is facing away from you, you should gently tap his or her shoulder if you want to gain that person’s attention.
It’s important to remember that it is never acceptable to scream at a deaf person. No matter how loud you talk, it is unlikely that the person will be able to here you. When all else fails, use written communication. Or, for extremely important matters, try to arrange for a sign language interpreter service.
LANGUAGE
Because ASL is so visual, facial expression is of paramount importance. It is possible to become an expert in hand shapes, classifiers, directionality, finger spelling, and movement – but without facial expression, a message may be impossible to convey imagine if a person were to tell you that he or she was happy – while on his or her face was a big frown. Or imagine if a person was trying to tell you that something tasted sour – all the while, smiling sweetly. These facial expressions are out of sync with their message and may, in fact, convey a sarcastic meaning.
Facial expressions should be practiced. You can express many different sentiments, without even moving a hand, once you are able to express your thoughts through facial expressions.
INTERPRETING
Imagine years ago, when there were few or not interpreters. Deaf people had no choice but to rely on paper and pens in even the most important conversations.
We see more and more sign language interpreters in today’s world. Some work in courthouses, educational facilities, medical offices, or hospitals. Others work at public events and concerts. Deaf people can request interpreters on many different occasions under the provisions of a law called the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act entitles them to interpreter services.