The Reality of Sign Language Recognition in the U.S.

Isn’t sign language just a collection of hand and body gestures? 

This comment, often made by people encountering ASL for the first time, reveals the most common misconception regarding ASL.

ASL is not simply a translation of spoken English, but an independent language with its own unique grammar and linguistics. Indeed, ASL is officially recognized as a legitimate language.

Yet, although ASL is recognized as an official language across the United States—such as by counting as a foreign language at many universities—everyday perceptions differ. 

People often ask, “Aren’t sign languages the same all over the world?” and view ASL as a simplified version of English.

This is why we must keep talking about ASL.

Recognizing ASL as a language is not merely a matter of knowledge, but is a matter of attitude, viewing and respecting the Deaf community. Ultimately, starting today, people should remember that ASL is a language.