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Do you have questions about American Sign Language (ASL)?
Beginners often have several misconceptions about signing.
At ASL Picture Books, we believe ASL is an untapped resource with limitless potential. However, sign language and deafness are often shrouded in misconceptions.
Sign language and the Deaf community are rich with expressive communication that deserves our understanding and respect. As we peel back the layers of myths surrounding this beautiful language, we'll discover ASL’s complexity and diversity while peeking into the profound experiences of the Deaf community.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a more advanced learner looking to enhance your knowledge, busting these myths will deepen your appreciation for sign language and its vibrant culture. Join us on this journey to set the record straight and celebrate the art of signing!
Myth #1: Sign Language Is a Mere Collection of Gestures and Movements, Not an Actual Language.
Is American Sign Language an actual language? For years, people believed it was “a mere collection of gestures and movements” (source: acearchive.org).
In 1955, the English department of Gallaudet University recruited linguist and professor William Stokoe. He became fascinated by sign language. In 1960, he wrote Sign Language Structure, a groundbreaking book that treated ASL as a legitimate language. Later, he co-authored A Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles. Stockoe’s work documented and confirmed ASL as a complex system with unique syntax and grammar—worthy of being called a language.
Many countries and human rights groups have moved to recognize signed languages as official languages (and therefore make signed languages more accessible). Learn more from World Atlas here.
Myth #2: All Sign Language Is the Same.
There is not one single universal sign language. The rich diversity of sign languages is a fascinating aspect of the Deaf community.
From American Sign Language to British Sign Language, French Sign Language, Chinese Sign Language, and beyond, signed languages are as diverse as the world’s spoken languages. Each of these sign languages has its unique grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, demonstrating the richness of sign languages worldwide.
More than 300 sign languages exist, and some estimates suggest the number could be higher (source: National Geographic). Linguists have yet to document many variations.
Approximately eighty village sign languages have been documented, and linguists are still discovering new ones.
Sign languages used nationally and regionally are more accessible to document than those in villages and small Deaf communities, who sign to communicate using a unique dialect. Read more on village sign languages here.
American Sign Language is used primarily in the US, certain Canadian provinces, Thailand, much of West Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia (source: Wikipedia). The number of people using ASL in the US and Canada is estimated to be between 250,000 and 500,000 (source: storylearning.com).
Myth #3: If Deaf People Can Speak English Clearly, Then They Aren’t truly Deaf.
No! The ability of a Deaf person to speak is a complex issue, influenced by many factors. The onset of deafness is just one of these factors, and it's important to understand the whole picture. It's not about “faking” being Deaf but about the individual’s unique journey and experiences.
Imagine a person who once thrived in the vibrant world of sound, filled with the chirping of birds, the laughter of friends, and the music of life, only to find themselves one-day navigating life without the ability to hear. This individual may still possess the gift of speech, untroubled by any speech diversities, as their voice echoes their experiences in the hearing world.
A child born profoundly deaf has not experienced sound in the womb or early life and will have more difficulties articulating sounds clearly. Sign language will be their first language, and learning English or any other language will make them bilingual at a young age. The spectrum of voice and sound for d/Deaf individuals varies considerably.
Misconception #4: ASL Is “English on the Hands.”
There is a form of signing known as Signed English (SE). One difference between SE and ASL is the word order.
ASL conveys concepts using its syntax and grammar. For example, if I were to sign, “She drives a car,” in SE, I would produce signs for each word, “SHE DRIVES CAR.” In ASL, I would sign “CAR, SHE DRIVES,” following the sentence structure of ASL. This distinction is important to understand, as it highlights the unique essentials of ASL, which is not a direct translation of English.
The production of each sign includes the following parameters:
hand shape
palm orientation
hand movement
hand location
gestural features like facial expression and posture
ASL Picture Books has prepared five pages to assist you in learning American Sign Language.
Last Thoughts About Sign Language Misconceptions
In a world where sound often takes center stage, remember that communication transcends hearing. Whether through spoken words, sign language, or other forms of expression, each individual’s voice contributes to the rich tapestry of human experience.
The beauty of sign language lies in its unique form of expression, and embracing these differences broadens our understanding and enhances our collective humanity.
As we explore the fascinating world of sign language and dismantle these myths, how can we work together to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways people communicate and foster inclusivity in our communities? Feel free to comment on how you view diverse communication and inclusion!
AceArchive. “William Stokoe,” February 12, 2021. https://acearchive.org/william-stokoe.
“American Sign Language.” In Wikipedia, October 24, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Sign_Language&oldid=1253119058.
Kiprop, Victor. “Which Countries Recognize Sign Language As An Official Language?” WorldAtlas, May 31, 2019. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-recognize-sign-language-as-an-official-language.html.
National Geographic Education. “Sign Language.” Accessed November 1, 2024. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sign-language.
Penilla, Adan R. II, and Angela Lee Taylor. “How to Structure Sentences in American Sign Language.” for dummies, March 26, 2016. https://www.dummies.com/article/academics-the-arts/language-language-arts/learning-languages/american-sign-language/how-to-structure-sentences-in-american-sign-language-192663/.
Richards, Olly. “American Sign Language: What You Need To Know And Why It’s Unique,” August 7, 2017. https://storylearning.com/blog/american-sign-language.
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Limitless Potential of ASL: ASL Picture Books Sign Language Blog is a platform that invites you to explore the world of American Sign Language and the Deaf community. The blog offers insights, author interviews, and educational materials for anyone interested in ASL education and Deaf culture. It's a valuable resource, whether you're new to ASL or a seasoned member of the Deaf community. Subscribe today for free to start your ASL journey with us!
Kathleen Marcath, the founder of ASLPictureBooks.com and author of "My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me," is a passionate advocate for bilingual education and ASL literacy, holding a bachelor's degree in Deaf Community Studies. Inspired by the need for inclusive children's books, she created a picture book where characters use sign language on each page, promoting the limitless potential of ASL for d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and curious children.
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