American Sign Language
Accessibility Through Language
What is American Sign Language?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well. As with any spoken language, sign language is not a universal language — each country has its own sign language, and regions have dialects, much like the many languages spoken all over the world. If you were to travel to another state and have an opportunity to sign with a person who knows ASL, you may notice that s/he will use some signs differently than you. These signs are known as “regional” signs, and you can think of them as the equivalent of an “accent.” It does not mean that people in your state are signing incorrectly. It is just a normal variation in ASL, and such regional signs add flavor to your understanding of ASL.
Learn more on StartASL
Why should you learn American Sign Language?
- Studying ASL promotes better awareness of and sensitivity to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Sign language can give you a new perspective on the world around you.
- It is an amazing feeling being able to connect with others their own native languages.
- Learning a new language can stimulate your brain which enhances cognition, your creative thinking, brain functionality, memory, spatial awareness, mental rotation skills and more.
- Studies show that children who start learning sign language as babies along with their native spoken language start communicating much sooner than other babies learning only spoken language.
- American sign language, as well as, many other signed languages include a lot of spelling in communication, so this can improve spelling ability.
- You can be much more competitive in the job market if you can communicate in more than one language.
- And so much more!
How can you get started?
If you click the button below, you can sign up for more information on FREE online classes at Galaudet University to start you on your ASL journey!
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