April 15, 2024
Today is National American sign Language (ASL) Day.
ASL and Deaf culture are very important parts of my life. I am Hard of Hearing and fluent in ASL, and fortunate to have made connections in my local Deaf community.
Three important facts about Signed Languages
1) Sign Language is not universal
Just like spoken languages, there are different signed languages all over the world. And, just like spoken languages, there are many varieties and regional dialects.
For example, most people in Canada use American Sign Language (ASL). Quebec signers may use ASL or LSQ (Langue des signes du Québec), or both.
When I moved from Ontario to Manitoba, I noticed the dialectical differences. Even though we use the same language, there are a number of words and expressions that are signed differently.
2) Signed languages are complete languages
Signed languages are not gestured representations of the local spoken language. They are their own complex and complete languages unto themselves with their own syntax and grammar structures.
3) Not all Deaf people know sign language
This could be for a number of reasons.
A few examples:
They may be late-deafened (hearing loss later in life)
They may have only been taught spoken language
They may have experienced language deprivation (denied access to signed languages and forced to learn how to speak and reach lips)
Users not speakers
As a side note, it’s important to remember that not all forms of communication are spoken. As a highly connected society, we increasingly communicate through written (typed) mediums such as email, text, blogs, and social media.
People who are non-speaking or minimally speaking may use assistive devices, writing, typing, sign language, and other forms of communication.
We don’t say people “speak” sign language, we say they use it. We are ASL users, not speakers, because ASL is not a spoken language.
In celebration of National ASL Day, I share with you a compilation of my Deaf/HoH and sign language-related articles from the past 2 1/2 years or so.
September 2021
Everything, Including Deafness, is on a Spectrum
February 2022
March 2022
This Is What Ableism Looks Like
April 2022
Ableism And Invisible Disabilities
My Hearing Loss Is Also My Gain
January 2023
February 2023
Affinity Between The Autistic & Deaf Communities
March 2023
Yes, I’m Both Deaf And Sound Sensitive
September 2023
Have Hearing Aid, Will Travel (But Would Prefer Not)
March 2024
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You're right about it all not being spoken. One thing I have learned from watching animation is to observe what people do with their hands and the expressions that emerge on their faces when they speak emphatically, because those often express their truer feelings rather than their spoken words.