ASL- American Sign Language, is a language used by the American Deaf community.A language compiled of signs, facial expressions, and emotion. ASL is a first language for close to 1 million Americans, so why is it looked over and disregarded by some as not a real language?
American Sign Language has its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and different ways to ask various questions. While the language may be verbally silent, it is extremely loud due to the expression and raw emotion presented while signing. In addition, much like any other any other language spoken in a country there are slightly different versions of the language nationwide. This includes different slang, different ways of signing signs, and different cultural influences.
Sign language is not only used in conversations and everyday life but is represented in broadway shows featuring mostly Deaf casts such as Spring Awakening. TV shows, Switched At Birth being a great example which airs on Freeform (ABC Family) and focuses around a Deaf and hearing family. The cast is made up of both hearing and Deaf people who use sign language on and off the air. Their cast even includes Marlee Matlin, Deaf activist and awarded actress. In addition hundreds of movies of all genres have been made in ASL or incorporate the language. Deaf theater is a huge part of Deaf culture and Deaf pride, there are all Deaf theater troupes which are extremely popular in and out of the community.
All Deaf education also exists and ASl is the dominant language at these schools. Gallaudet University is an all Deaf or hard of hearing school located in DC. Not only is this school inclusive is provides top notch education all in ASL. There are similar schools around the country for lower levels of education such as high school that are the same as any other school the only difference is the language they speak.
Today ASL is not solely being used by the Deaf, but by allies of the Deaf community, hearing friends and family, ASL students, interpreters, and many more. The language continues to spread as more people attempt to build a bridge between the two worlds in order to provide equal opportunities for Deaf people, and advocate for the language.
ASL is not the only form of sign language around the world, in fact there are around 275 other sign languages used by Deaf communities in other countries. Some of the most commonly used ones are LSF- French Sign Language, ASl-American Sign Language, BSL- British Sign language, Auslan- Australian sign language, LSM-Mexican sign language, and ISL- Irish sign language. So before you try and invalidate sign language as a real language, remember that it IS a language used by millions, and the only difference is instead of using sound you use signs.
