American Sign Language, or ASL, is the primary language of many deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and parts of Canada. It is a complete, natural language with its own grammar, sentence structure, and rules that are different from English. Just as people speak Spanish or French, people sign ASL.
ASL is not simply English spelled out with hands. It uses hand shapes, facial expressions, body movements, and space to convey meaning. For example, raising your eyebrows can change a statement into a yes/no question. It was formally recognized as a true language by linguists in the 1960s, though it has a much longer history. It grew from a mix of local sign languages and French Sign Language, brought to America in the early 1800s by educator Laurent Clerc.
Learning ASL is like learning any other world language. It is also a key part of deaf culture, which values visual communication and has its own traditions, art, and social norms. Today, many hearing people learn ASL to communicate with Deaf friends and family, or as a career skill. It opens a door to a rich culture and is a vital tool for accessibility and inclusion in our diverse society.
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