American Sign Language

Consisting of various bodily—especially those of hands—movements and elaborate facial expressions, American Sign Language (ASL) is a language that allows Deaf people to express their opinions, communicate, and socialize.

It is important to know that ASL is not a universal language. Sign languages differ across countries, regions, and even through generations.

Moreover, although often mistaken as a word-for-word translation of spoken English, ASL is actually a fully independent language with its own unique grammar and syntax. Indeed, ASL reflects a rich and diverse culture of the Deaf community.

History of ASL

Historical
Background

In the earlier days, no standard signed language existed. There were just various regional-level signing systems, which are commonly referred to as Old American Sign Language.

Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet fled to Europe to study sign language and deaf education for his neighbor’s deaf daughter, Alice Cogswell.
- He met and learnt from Abbe Sicard, Jean Massieu, and Laurent Clerc, who were well-accomplished deaf educators in Europe.

Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc established the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817.
- This was the first public free deaf school in the US
- Because no standard signed language organization existed previously, deaf students from all over the US came to attend the school
- ASL stemmed from various regional-level sign languages and the French Sign Language that Gallaudet learnt during his time in Europe

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet’s son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, continued to pursue deaf education
- Edward presented the idea of a deaf college to Congress. His idea was passed by President Abraham Lincoln, and in 1864, the Columbia Institute’s college for the deaf division opened
- It was later renamed Gallaudet College in 1893 and to Gallaudet University in 1986

In 1960, William Stokoe, a hearing professor at Gallaudet University, published a study, Grammar of Sign Language, which recognized ASL as an independent language with its own unique syntax and grammar.
- ASL started to get recognized as an official language.

Deaf Culture

History, social norms, values, and beliefs together shape the deaf culture. It is essential to have an understanding of deaf culture to master ASL. Deafness is not something that needs to be fixed, but a different way of life in which one can experience a rich deaf community. One important norm in deaf culture is to maintain eye contact. Moreover, to call for someone, a person should gently tap another's shoulder instead of simply shouting out. Undeniably, the deaf community is beneficial as it promotes social interaction for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.