Is ASL a Sign of the Times?
May 30, 2025
The visibility and recognition of sign language, particularly American Sign Language, is on the rise. This increase in recognition can be attributed to its growing presence in a variety of community settings, as well as a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture and their language. ASL embodies this pivotal cultural shift and denotes how important and valued individual inclusion has become in society today.
Although there is no single “best sign language”, ASL is the dominant visual language used in our corner of the global village as messages can be precisely expressed through hand movements, facial expressions, and body language. Most importantly, ASL is not just a signed version of English and has it own unique linguistic structure, grammar, and syntax. For example, the word order of subject-verb-object in ASL can incorporate time elements for a time-subject-verb-object word order.
While ASL borrowed certain signs from French Sign Language, it has evolved into a its own language that is richly unique and deeply intertwined with America’s Deaf culture. Linguists point out how critical it is for us to understand this connection, as ASL is far more than just a tool for communication; it provides a cultural bridge that can offer profound insights into the values and experiences of the Deaf community. So, just like learning another verbal language, learning ASL fosters respect through a better understanding of this vibrant culture.
American Sign Language isn’t that easy to learn?
According to the Foreign Service Institute, achieving fluency in ASL can take years of dedicated study to achieve advanced proficiency. The learning institute categorizes ASL as a Level IV language, which means it is a challenging language for native English speakers to learn that is similar to languages such as Japanese or Arabic. Although learning the alphabet and using its basic vocabulary may come quickly, mastering ASL requires a significant investment of time and effort due to its unique grammar, syntax and cultural nuances.
It’s distinct structure is what sets ASL apart as a language in its own right and this complexity does present some challenges for hearing language learners, who are much more accustomed to spoken words. For starters, a unique hallmark of ASL is the ability to simultaneously express multiple sentence elements that are divergent from the more linear flow of popular spoken languages. Non-manual markers, particularly facial expressions, play a vital role in ASL. These expressions not only convey emotions but also serve grammatical purposes.
Interestingly, ASL is most closely related to French Sign Language. This connection stems from Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the founder of American Sign Language, who learned sign language in France and brought those methods back to the United States. As a result, ASL adopted many elements from Old French Sign Language, including its one-handed alphabet as well as a substantial portion of its vocabulary. Although ASL and FSL share a common heritage, they have evolved into distinct languages, much like how unique verbiage separates spoken words.
A Shift in Attitude with Mental Benefits
Nonverbal communication is the transmission of messages or signals through a nonverbal platform such as eye contact, body language, social distance, touch, voice, physical appearance, and use of objects. So, fluency in ASL involves much more than just memorizing signs. For example, raised eyebrows can indicate a yes/no question, while lowered eyebrows may signal a who, what, when, or where question. These non-manual markers are integral to the grammar and work alongside handshapes, movement, orientation, and location to express a complete thought.
Here's why American Sign Language may be a sign of the times:
- Visibility in Mainstream Media: American Sign Language is gaining significant visibility across various forms from popular television shows to major news events to help bring Deaf culture into the mainstream.
- Growing Recognition in Education: ASL has gained significant recognition in recent years, with many universities and colleges now offering signing courses as part of their curriculum as an acceptable foreign language.
- Community Engagement: Many community organizations and businesses are now actively integrating sign language into their services and activities as part of their efforts to foster inclusivity.
- Shifting Attitudes for Deaf Culture: Deaf culture is increasingly recognized as its own unique cultural and linguistic community, prompting a shift toward more inclusive practices in communication and education.
- Enhanced Cognitive Benefits: Research suggests that learning ASL can improve spatial reasoning, allowing individuals to better visualize and manipulate objects within a given space for non-verbal cues.
Though learning ASL can be challenging, the rewards are immense. It enables communication with the Deaf community and offers a deeper understanding of a unique culture. It’s not only about learning a language but also about building bridges of connection and empathy. With just 500 signs, over half a million people use ASL as their primary form of communication and paired with a solid understanding of ASL functions, you too can achieve conversational fluency. Remarkably, ASL is the third most commonly used language in the U.S., following English and Spanish.
What are the Five Rules of Sign Language?
Becoming fluent in ASL can take years of consistent practice and dedication. Expressions in sign language are more than just movements; they are the unique body postures and facial expressions that complement signing, playing a crucial role in forming words accurately. Known as the Five Parameters of ASL, the parameters discussed below help describe the role of how signs are structured and used within the signer’s personal space to ensure effective and precise communication:
- HANDSHAPE – ASL utilizes approximately forty commonly used handshapes but there are many more that are used less frequently. Some handshapes are used in multiple signs where others are more specific.
- PALM ORIENTATION – This refers to the direction in which the palm is facing when signing and includes palm up, palm down, palm inward, palm outward, and palm facing to the right or left side.
- MOVEMENT – In ASL, movement refers to how the hand or hands move through space and it can be a single movement, repeated movement, or continuous motion of up, down, forward, backward, circular, or tapping.
- LOCATION – American Sign Language uses various body parts as locations, such as the chin for the sign thank you, the side of the face for bed, and the chest for my. A default location is the neutral space in front of the signer.
- EXPRESSION – As a non-manual marker, expressions are crucial for conveying meaning in ASL. They are used in a similar way to spoken language with facial expressions, head movements, and mouth morphemes.
Spatial representation takes on added significance in ASL, where the signer’s body is used to indicate different points in time or space. However, it’s important to note that mouthing English words while signing is generally discouraged. Instead, ASL has mouth morphemes that add their own layer of linguistic meaning. Facial expressions also emphasize intensity or nuance and can structure phrases like conditionals or relative clauses. With a basic understanding of ASL words and functions, you can engage in meaningful dialogue in just a few months.
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Learning ASL is immensely rewarding and provides an entirely new way to communicate. With consistent effort and an open mind, anyone can develop the skills to understand and express this rich and expressive language. But, it does require being able to communicate concepts clearly and effectively and with little hesitation. By recognizing the value of ASL, the language specialists at ProLingo can help you expand your bilingual or multilingual environment, as there is massive diversity within Deaf culture. Let us show you how to put clear and meaningful communication at the heart of your brand.
