What is ASL? | ASL - American Sign Language

Summary

This video transcript provides an insightful overview of American Sign Language (ASL), explaining its history, evolution, and the different factors that influence its variations such as regional, generational, and cultural aspects. ASL is a distinct visual language used primarily in the U.S. and Canada. It has its own grammar and parameters, like handshape and facial expression, making it unique from English. The video highlights ASL's growing popularity in educational settings, the benefits of bilingualism, and emphasizes learning ASL concepts rather than direct English word translations.

Takeaways

• 🧏 ASL stands for American Sign Language and is a visual language used primarily in the United States and Canada.
• 📅 ASL began to take form in 1817 with the founding of the American School for the Deaf in Connecticut, but it was influenced by several other sign languages.
• 🌍 While ASL is widely used in the U.S. and Canada, it is not used globally, as different countries have their own sign languages.
• 🇫🇷 ASL has roots in French Sign Language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, and Indigenous sign languages.
• 🔄 ASL has evolved over time and continues to grow, becoming increasingly popular in schools and among hearing individuals.
• 💬 ASL has different registers, similar to spoken languages, including formal, casual, and audience-presenting styles.
• 🧓 Generational shifts influence ASL, with older signs being replaced by newer ones.
• 🔠 ASL and Manually Coded English (MCE) systems like Signing Exact English (SEE) are different; ASL is a distinct language while MCE follows English closely.
• 🧠 Bilingualism in ASL and English offers cognitive, social, and communication benefits.
• 🖐️ ASL uses five key parameters: handshape, movement, location, palm orientation, and facial expression, and mistakes in any parameter can change the meaning of a sign.

Q & A

What does ASL stand for?

ASL stands for American Sign Language.

Is ASL used worldwide?

No, ASL is not used worldwide. Countries around the world have their own different sign languages.

When did ASL start, and how did it evolve?

ASL began in 1817 when the American School for the Deaf was founded in Connecticut. It evolved from several sign languages, including French Sign Language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, and indigenous sign languages.

Why are there variations in ASL signs across different regions?

Variations in ASL signs are caused by several factors, including regional differences, generational changes, registers (formal vs. casual signing), and influences from other sign systems like Manually Coded English (MCE).

What are the five parameters of ASL?

The five parameters of ASL are 1) Handshape, 2) Movement, 3) Location, 4) Palm orientation, and 5) Facial expression.

What is the difference between ASL and Manually Coded English (MCE)?

ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar and structure, while MCE follows English grammar and syntax. MCE is not a separate language but a system to represent English manually.

Why is bilingualism important for Deaf individuals who use ASL?

Bilingualism offers cognitive, social, and communication benefits. It helps with code-switching and is critical for the education and upbringing of Deaf individuals.

How should learners approach translating concepts from English to ASL?

Learners should focus on the concept rather than trying to find a direct translation for each English word. ASL and English interpret concepts differently, so focusing on the meaning ensures better communication.

What is the role of facial expressions in ASL?

Facial expressions are one of the five key parameters in ASL. They are essential for conveying tone, emotion, and grammatical aspects of signing.

How has ASL gained popularity recently?

ASL has become popular in the United States, with many schools, high schools, and colleges offering ASL classes. More hearing people are motivated to learn ASL, recognizing its benefits for both Deaf and hearing individuals.