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What is ASL?
What is ASL?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by the North American Deaf community. The language is expressed through the hands and face and is perceived through the eyes. ASL carries just as much information as an oral/aural (mouth/ear) language. There are five parameters or characteristics of a sign in ASL:
- Handshape
- Location of Sign in relation to body
- Movement
- Orientation (of palm)
- Facial Expression and Non-manual Markers
Changing just one of these parameters can drastically change the meaning of your sign.
In addition to Canada and the US, ASL is used in the Philippines, Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Zaire, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Kenya, Madagascar, Benin, Togo, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and many other places. ASL is not, however, a universal language. Many countries have their own version of sign language (ex: BSL- British Sign Language, Native American Sign Language).
Alternate Forms of Sign Language
Alternate Forms of Sign Language
These additional methods of signing using some ASL signs, but lack their own grammatical structure and syntax. They are not complete, standalone languages.
- SEE- Signed Exact English. Uses invented sign symbols to represent English on the hands and assist deaf children in the acquisition of English.
- PSE- Pidgin Signed English. Sometimes referred to as Contact Signing. Contact signing is often used when Deaf and hearing individuals need to communicate. PSE tends to follow English word orders while using ASL signs. Many “filler” words that do not communicate meaning tend to be dropped. (For example: "I am teacher" would become "I teacher").
ReferencesAmerican Sign Language Training Center. (n.d.). American Sign Language 1: Introduction to Sign Language. http://asl.tcGrimes, Barbara F. (editor), (1996). Languages of USA” Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 13th Edition. Institute of Linguistics.
American Sign Language or ASL is one option individuals who are DHH can learn in order to communicate in their lives. ASL is commonly used in Deaf culture and usually is stressed to parents for the DHH child to learn. However, it is important to note that not every DHH individual gets this opportunity or has access to the supports they need. Every family situation is different and as a teacher, you need to assess what communication level your DHH student has and support this student and quite possibly, their parents, if their is a lack of communication ability. You will find more information on ASL and ideas for ASL lessons below.
The "Early Intervention" video gives an idea of the experiences parents go through when learning their child has a hearing loss, using appropriate terminology, how early involvement helps, and the options for communication.
ASL Support Lessons
ASL Support Lessons
The following list is a start of lessons that develop beginning ASL knowledge and includes videos for support. These lessons and videos are still in development and more will be updated as they are completed.
Header Image by Joint Base Elmendorf-RichardsonNotepad Image by Pixnio
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