American Sign Language (ASL) - Is ASL Universal?

What is American sign language? Is ASL a true language? Moreover, is American sign language used universally among deaf people?

Almost everyone has heard of American sign language. However, relatively very few people understand even the basic principles of ASL. Here, we’ll, therefore, look at what everything you need to know about ASL in 2020.

What is American Sign Language?

Is American sign language a true language? — The answer to this question is a simple yes.

Many people assume that when people use ASL, they use their hands to make signs that represent spoken English words and alphabet letters. However, this really isn’t the case.

American sign language is a language in its own right. It is also one that is completely distinct from English. Worldwide, sign language even has different dialects, grammar rules, and what you might think of as accents.

ASL is Over 200-Years Old

Did you know that American sign language is over 200-years old?

As well as not really understanding how ASL works, many people assume that American sign language is a relatively recent invention. You might even think that ASL was developed by linguists at a top university like Harvard. In reality, though, no one is 100% sure of the true origins of ASL.

What we do know, is that ASL we use today has existed for approximately 200-years. We also know that ASL likely came about through the mixing of local sign languages in America, with French sign language (Langue des Signes Française.)

Having strong French influences is part of the reason why ASL is so distinct from spoken and written English. However, it is important to note that ASL and French sign language can not be used interchangeably. Today, ASL is as different from Langue des Signes Française, as French is to English.

Why Do Deaf People Use ASL? 

If you do not have a hearing impairment yourself, you might not understand why deaf people use sign language. After all, wouldn’t it be easier to communicate with others using written English?

As it stands, why American sign language is so important to deaf people is simple.

Research shows that early, natural development of language skills plays a key role in early cognitive development. Language, if you like, isn’t just a tool we use to communicate. As well as this, we all use language to learn about the world and develop both intellectually and socially.

When people are born deaf, learning ASL helps make sure that deaf infants don’t get left behind developmentally. More importantly, learning to sign is also what makes it possible for people to later learn written English.

Is American Sign Language Used Universally?

As already mentioned, ASL has its roots in French sign language. This being the case, American sign language is not used universally.

In the UK and Europe, deaf people do use sign language. However, the sign languages they use are as different from each other as Finish might be to Chinese. Surprisingly, though, ASL is widely used in other areas overseas.

Countries That Use ASL

If you are born deaf in the Philippines, Singapore, or even Jamaica, there is a strong likelihood that you will be taught to use American sign language. In part, this is thanks to historically very strong missionary, aid, and overseas education programs.

Other countries that use ASL include:

• Barbados
• Bolivia
• Canada
• Cambodia
• The Central African Republic
• Chad
• Hong Kong
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Gabon
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Zimbabwe 

Why Should You Use ASL in Your Business?

At present, American sign language is used by approximately 250,000-500,000 Americans and Canadians. This might seem like a statistically small number. However, just like all consumers, deaf people go where they are treated best by businesses.

If you are a business, you don’t need to hire someone proficient in ASL to be on hand to attend to deaf customers 24/7. However, if you let ASL users know that communicating in ASL is possible using a translator, most will be incredibly appreciative of this. 

How to Hire an ASL Interpreter

At Languagers, we provide ASL interpreters to thousands of businesses all across the United States. Even better, many of our interpreters can work completely remotely. To find out how your business can better support your local deaf community, click here.