ASL Liguistics
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, visual language with its own structure and rules. Meaning in ASL is created through a combination of handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual signals such as facial expressions and body movements. These elements work together to express not only words, but also emotions, intensity, and grammatical meaning. Non-manual signals are required, not optional, and play a critical role in communication.
ASL also has its own grammar and syntax, which are different from spoken English. Sentences often follow a topic–comment structure, use time markers at the beginning, and rely on facial expressions and body movement to show questions, affirmation, or negation. In addition, fingerspelling is used to spell names, places, or words that do not have an established sign.
Together, these principles form the foundation of clear and accurate communication in American Sign Language.
What are the essential components that make up American Sign Language?
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Hand Shape: the shape of the hand
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Palm Orientation: direction of the palm (which side is your palm facing?)
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Location: where the sign is made or placed
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Movement: motion of the hands
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Non-Manual Signals: Include facial expressions and body movements
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Illustrate feelings and intensity
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Show affirmation or negation
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They are required, not optional
ASL Grammar and Syntax
ASL has a unique, independent sentence structure apart from spoken English. It is not a direct translation of English on the hands.
Topic-Comment Structure
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Topic: what you are talking about; a subject or an object
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Comment: what you say about the topic
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Sign the topic first and then the comment
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Include a short pause before signing the comment
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ex:) I read the book → Book / I / Read
Make sure you include the closing signal:
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Point back to yourself, or if asking a question, point back to the person you are talking to
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This signals that you finished your sentence/thought/question
For Yes / No expressions or questions, lift your eyebrows up and lean forward.
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ex:) Are you hungry? → You / Hungry / You?
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ex:) Are you hearing? → You / Hearing / You?
WH questions:
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Questions asking: who, what, when, where, why, which, and how
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Make sure to furrow your eyebrows
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ex:) Where do you live? → You / Live / Where?
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ex:) What is your name? → You / Name / What / You?
Time markers are placed at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, ASL does not conjugate verbs like English.
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ex:) I went to the store yesterday → Yesterday / Me / Go / Store
Nod your head up and down to affirm, and shake your head sideways to negate.
If you want to learn more about ASL grammar and syntax, explore these resources:
What is fingerspelling?
Fingerspelling is when people use the ASL alphabet to communicate specific words, names, or places without a designated sign.
For instance, to sign for proper nouns such as one’s name, a person would fingerspell their name.
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ex:) My name is John → My / Name / J / O / H / N
If the same letters repeat, create a slight pause or slide your hand to your dominant hand’s side .
