ASL: A Natural Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language. 

Some may wonder: What is a natural language?

In other words, it is not an artificial language created by a government, a specific institution, or linguists. Rather, it is a language that evolved naturally from communication within the Deaf community. Just as spoken languages were developed naturally and independently around the globe, Deaf communities across the world created their sign languages—unique grammar, vocabulary, and expressions—over time.

Therefore, ASL is not universal. There is no single sign language used by everyone, and sign languages ​​vary by country. For instance, while ASL is primarily used in the United States, British Sign Language (BSL) is used in the United Kingdom. ASL and BSL are distinct languages ​​with different grammar and vocabulary. Although both nations speak English, the sign languages are mutually unintelligible.

Indeed, sign language is not merely a conversion of spoken language into hand gestures. Like spoken languages, it possesses its own history, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural influences. The existence of diverse sign languages ​​around the world demonstrates that language evolves naturally as people use it within their communities.