America’s Visual-Gestural Language
December 26, 2022
Signing around the world has a rich history and evolved into globally useful languages due to a combination of human factors. American Sign Language (ASL) is our natural language that developed over time; however it is not a signed version of English or any other spoken language.
American Sign Language is a visual-gestural language used primarily by the Deaf community in the United States and Canada.
ASL is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a hearing educator, met a young girl named Alice Cogswell who was deaf. Gallaudet worked with Alice and her father to develop a system of signs that could be used to teach her to communicate.
Gallaudet’s system eventually evolved into America’s primary visual-gestural language, which has been used by the deaf community in the United States ever since. ASL also influenced the development of sign languages used in other countries.
Is it difficult to learn sign language?
Learning any new language can be challenging, and American Sign Language is no exception. However, like any spoken language, the difficulty of learning ASL will vary depending on the individual learner, their background and life experiences.
There are a few factors that may make learning ASL easier or more challenging:
- Motivation – Like with any new skill, having a strong motivation to learn ASL can make the process easier.
- Prior language learning – If you have already learned another language, it may be easier to learn ASL as you have experience with language learning.
- Access to resources – Having access to resources such as textbooks, online courses, and native ASL speakers can make learning ASL easier.
- Physical dexterity – ASL requires the use of hand gestures and facial expressions, so physical dexterity can be an important factor.
Some find sign language easier to learn than another spoken languages, while others may feel the experience is more difficult. Nonetheless, learning ASL can be a rewarding experience for those who have access to signing resources. With time and practice, anyone can learn ASL.
At What Age Can a Deaf Child Learn ASL?
Deaf children can begin learning sign language at any age. Generally speaking, the earlier in life they start, the better. It is generally recommended that deaf children be exposed to sign language as soon as possible, as early language exposure is important for his or her cognitive and social development.
According to research studies, children who are exposed to sign language before the age of two tend to develop language skills more quickly than those who are not exposed to sign language until later in life. Because a child's brain is more receptive to language learning, the younger the better.
Deaf children who are exposed to sign language early on can begin to communicate simple signs as early as 6 to 9 months of age. Toddlers are often capable of using sign language to communicate basic needs and wants. By age five, a child can normally use ASL to express more complex thoughts and ideas.
It is important to note that every child is different and will learn at their own pace. Some deaf children may take longer to learn sign language than others, and that is okay. With proper patience, support, and a positive learning environment, any deaf child can learn to sign and develop strong language skills.
American Sign Language Interpreters
American Sign Language is primarily used by deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States and Canada. Hearing individuals, who are close to deaf or hard of hearing people (e.g. – friends or family members) often become de facto ASL interpreters. Today, sign language is accepted by many high schools, colleges, and universities in fulfillment of foreign language academic degree requirements.
ASL combines hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to communicate without using written words or letters, but it does have its own grammar and syntax. Instead of letters, ASL uses specific handshapes and movements to represent concepts. For example: the sign for cat involves forming the hand into the shape of a cat's paw and tapping the cheek twice.
Since deaf and hard of hearing individuals use ASL as their primary means of communication, it represents an important part of their culture and identity. Using an ASL interpreter can be exceptionally beneficial to businesses and organizations that want to include more people when advertising, educating, and marketing to wider groups.
ASL interpreters can be used in a variety of settings, including in schools, at work, for religious services, and in social settings. If you are responsible for conducting events, contact ProLingo to discuss how you can achieve the best results by utilizing our services for the facilitation of a hearing-impaired presentation, podcast, conference, or meeting.
