American Sign Language

    American sign language (ASL) is made up of movements of the hands and facial expressions to be able to communicate. ASL was originally LSF (Langue des Signes Francaise), which means that it originated in France, and as people came to America so did the language. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet brought over this language and opened up a school for the deaf in 1817. 

Is it ASL Different? 

ASL Alphabet

    Just as English and any other language have different rules, ASL has its own set of rules with grammar, pronunciation, and word order. The word order that ASL uses is time+subject+verb+object. This means that they pronounce when they go somewhere first and then continue the sentence. An example is "Last year me went Ireland." Another rule that they have is they keep their words in base form. They don't have prefixes or suffixes or use past tense. They can understand each other because of their word order. Fingerspelling is also an essential part of ASL. As you are meeting someone and they ask you for your name you generally finger spell it as there is no sign for your name specifically. 

    As we are having a conversation sometimes we don't think about the facial expressions we make when we are happy, sad, angry, or annoyed. When people are talking in ASL they pay close attention to the facial expressions you make to interpret what you are saying. When saying "no" you can make an angry face to signify you are mad or a smile to signify you are happy. 

Can they speak on the phone?

Captioned Telephone Service 

VRS

    Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) people can communicate through the phone by using different devices or services provided to them. Captioned telephone service is used for people with hearing loss but it isn't 100%. This service puts captions on a screen that is embedded in their phone so they can read what the other person is saying. Video Reply service is when there is a person who is hearing and knows ASL in the middle of the two people talking. That person is interpreting both ends of the call. 

“American Sign Language.” National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

 “American Sign Language & French Sign Language - History.” Gallaudet University, 24 Aug. 2022, gallaudet.edu/museum/history/american-sign-language-and-french-sign-language/#:~:text=Legend%20has%20it%20that%20on,already%20being%20used%20in%20America.

“Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).” Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov/trs. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.