American Sign Language, or ASL is a visual language. With signing, the brain processes linguistic information through the eyes. The shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements, all play important parts in conveying meaningful information.

ASL is not a universal language. Each country has its own sign language, and regions have dialects, much like the many languages that are spoken all over the world. Like any spoken language, ASL is a language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax. ASL is a living language that has a history and culture that grows and changes over time.

ASL is used predominantly in the United States and in many parts of Canada. ASL is accepted by many high schools, colleges, and universities in fulfillment of the foreign/world language academic degree requirements across the United States.