What is American Sign Language?
American Sign Language, also called ASL, is a language of hand gestures and facial expressions that help deaf or hard of hearing individuals communicate with one another.
Where is ASL used?
ASL is used throughout the United States and in some areas of Canada. Many countries have their own form of sign language, and more often than not, signs from different countries do not resemble each other.
Is ASL the only form of sign language in America?
No, there are many different forms of sign language in the United States. The two primary methods are: ASL and Signed English. Though both involve many of the same signs, they are very different from one another.
ASL is a system of signing where thoughts and expressions are represented by signs rather than having a sign to represent every word. ASL has different grammar than Spoken English because of this. Signed English, however, is basically the English language in signs. The signs represent individual words and are put in order just as they would be in Spoken English.
What does this Web site provide?
This Web site is designed to help beginners understand some of the fundamentals of sign language. After touring this site you should understand the importance of facial expressions, the rules of signing and even know enough signs to interact with a deaf individual.
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