Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc.

> What Is American Sign Language?
> Is Sign Language the same worldwide?
> Where did ASL originate?
> ASL: comparison with spoken language
> First language of many Deaf people
> Emphasis of early language learning
> I’m an adult. Should I learn ASL?
> Research on ASL
> Is ASL difficult to learn?
> Where can I take classes?
> Become a DHCC ASL Instructor

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements including facial expressions and postures of the body. ASL’s history is rich. It is the first language of many Deaf people in the United States and Canada, and one of several communication options available to Deaf and hard of hearing people. ASL is said to be the fourth most commonly used language in the United States.

Is sign language the same around the globe?
No one form of sign language is universal. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) differs notably from ASL. Different sign languages are used in different countries or regions throughout the world.

Where did ASL originate?
The exact beginnings of ASL are not clear. Many people believe that ASL came mostly from French Sign Language (FSL). Others claim that the foundation for ASL existed before FSL was introduced in America in 1817. Click here for more information.

How does ASL compare with spoken language?
In spoken language, the different sounds created by words and tones of voice (intonation) are the most important devices used to communicate. Sign language is based on the idea that sight is the most useful tool a deaf person has to communicate and receive information. Like any other language, fluency in ASL happens only after a long period of study and practice.

ASL employs the following to communicate in the language:

Hand shape, position, and movement
Body movement
Gestures
Facial expressions
Other visual cues

Even though ASL is used in America, it is a language completely separate from English. It contains all the fundamental features a language needs to function on its own. It has its own rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence order. ASL evolves as its users do, and it also allows for regional usage and jargon. Every language expresses its features differently; ASL is no exception. Whereas English speakers often signal a question by using a particular tone of voice, ASL users do so by raising the eyebrows and widening the eyes. Sometimes, ASL users may ask a question by tilting their bodies forward while signaling with their eyes and eyebrows.

Just as with other languages, specific ways of expressing ideas in ASL vary as much as ASL users themselves do. ASL users may choose from synonyms to express common words.

ASL also changes regionally, just as certain English words are spoken differently in different parts of the country. Ethnicity, age and gender are a few more factors that affect ASL usage and contribute to its variety.

Why does ASL become a first language for many Deaf people?
Parents are often the source of a child's early acquisition of language. A deaf child who is born to Deaf parents, who already use ASL, will begin to acquire ASL as naturally as a hearing child picks up spoken language from hearing parents. However, hearing parents who have no prior experience with ASL must realize that a deaf child acquires language differently. Some hearing parents choose to introduce sign language to their deaf children. Hearing parents who choose to learn sign language often learn it along with their child. Nine out of every ten children who are born deaf are born to parents who hear. Other communication models, based in spoken English, exist apart from ASL, including Signing Exact English (SEE), oral, auditory-verbal, and cued speech. As with any language, interaction with other children and adults is also a significant factor in acquisition.

Why emphasize early language learning?
Parents should introduce their deaf child to language as early as possible. The earlier any child is exposed to and begins to acquire language, the better that child's communication skills will become. Research suggests that the first six months are the most crucial to a child's development of language skills. All newborns should be screened for deafness or hearing loss before they leave the hospital or within the first month of life. Very early discovery of a child's hearing loss or deafness provides parents with an opportunity to learn about communication options. Parents can then start their child's language learning process during this important stage of development.

ASL is also beneficial for hearing children, who can learn basic signs such as milk, more and cookie to communicate at a time when their vocal skills are not fully developed. There are “baby sign” classes available throughout the country for hearing parents with hearing children.

I’m an adult. Should I learn ASL?
There are many reasons why adults decide to learn ASL. Some do so because they have friends, family or co-workers with whom they want to communicate on an equal basis. Others learn the language because they are losing their hearing. Still others decide to learn ASL because they are interested in the language and/or Deaf community. Whatever your reason, it is never too late to learn ASL. Click here to learn about DHCC’s sign language classes.

What does recent research say about ASL and other sign languages?
Some studies focus on the age of ASL acquisition. Age is a critical issue for people who acquire ASL, whether it is a first or second language. For a person to become fully competent in any language, exposure must begin as early as possible, preferably before school age. Other studies compare the skills of native signers and non-native signers to determine differences in language processing ability. Native signers of ASL consistently display more accomplished sign language ability than non-native signers, again emphasizing the importance of early exposure and acquisition.

Other studies focus on different ASL processing skills. Users of ASL have shown ability to process visual mental images differently than hearing users of English. Though English speakers possess the skills needed to process visual imagery, ASL users demonstrate faster processing ability--suggesting that sign language enhances certain processing functions of the human brain.

Is ASL difficult to learn?
The answer depends on the student. As with any language, becoming fluent with ASL takes time, requires study, must be practiced and must be used within the community where the language is predominate. Some people find that learning a language is easy while others may have more difficulty. You could learn a few basic signs in a couple of classes. To become proficient in the language will take years of study.

Where can I take classes?
DHCC offers community-level (non-credit) classes at E.T. Richardson Middle School in Springfield, PA, through the Springfield Lions Club. Click here for more information on our classes.

DHCC does not offer a program for people who want to become a Sign Language Interpreter. You can find interpreter training programs through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

How do I become a Sign Language Instructor for DHCC?
DHCC is always looking for qualified sign language instructors. Please visit our Join Our ASL Instructors page.