American Sign Language (ASL)

Concept Map

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language distinct from English, with its own grammar and syntax. It uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey messages. The ASL manual alphabet and numerical system allow for fingerspelling and numerical communication. ASL's lexicon includes signs for a vast range of concepts, and non-manual signals play a crucial role in expressing grammatical and emotional nuances. Understanding ASL's sentence structure is key to grasping its visual-spatial communication style.

Summary

Outline

American Sign Language (ASL)

History and Evolution of ASL

Influences on ASL

ASL has been shaped by various influences, including French Sign Language (LSF)

Development of ASL as a Language

Unique Rules of Grammar and Syntax

ASL is not a manual representation of English, but a distinct language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax

Incorporation of Visual Elements

ASL employs hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey complex information

Constant Evolution of ASL

The lexicon of ASL is dynamic, with new signs continually being created and adopted by the community

Components of ASL

Manual Alphabet

The ASL manual alphabet consists of 26 handshapes that correspond to the letters of the English alphabet

Numerical System

ASL has a unique numerical system with specific conventions for expressing numbers and concepts like repetition

Lexicon

Arbitrary and Iconic Signs

The ASL lexicon includes signs that may be arbitrary or iconic, with some incorporating elements of fingerspelling

Use of Fingerspelling and Descriptive Signing

When a sign does not exist, fingerspelling or descriptive signing is used in ASL

Dynamic Nature of the Lexicon

The ASL lexicon is constantly evolving with new signs being created and adopted by the community

Non-Manual Signals in ASL

Facial Expressions

Non-manual signals such as facial expressions are integral to ASL, providing additional grammatical and affective information

Body Movements

Body movements are also important in ASL, contributing to the meaning of a sign

Visual-Spatial Aspects

The visual-spatial aspects of ASL, such as the location and orientation of signs, are essential for conveying precise meaning

Grammar and Syntax of ASL

Sentence Structure

ASL typically follows a "Time + Topic + Comment" sentence structure

Verbs in ASL

Verbs in ASL are not conjugated like in English, instead using time indicators and non-manual markers to convey tense

Visual and Spatial Nature of ASL

The visual and spatial nature of ASL allows for a diverse range of expression within its grammatical framework

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ASL is influenced by ______ and is a complete language with its own ______ and ______.

French Sign Language (LSF)

grammar

syntax

ASL manual alphabet handshapes count

26 handshapes corresponding to English alphabet letters

ASL numerical system conventions

Unique signs for numbers, palm orientation, movement for digits, repetition concepts

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Lexicon and Sign Formation in ASL

ASL has a comprehensive lexicon with signs that represent a wide array of words and concepts. Signs may be arbitrary or iconic, and some incorporate elements of fingerspelling. For example, the sign for "I love you" is a combination of the fingerspelled letters I, L, and Y. When a sign does not exist for a particular term, fingerspelling or descriptive signing is used. The lexicon is dynamic, with new signs continually being created and adopted by the community.

Non-Manual Signals and Sign Modulation in ASL

Non-manual signals such as facial expressions and body movements are integral to ASL, providing additional grammatical and affective information. The location of the sign in relation to the signer's body, the orientation and movement of the hands, and the expression of the face all contribute to the meaning of a sign. For instance, the signs for "father" and "mother" differ only in the location of the hand on the face. These visual-spatial aspects of ASL are essential for conveying precise meaning.

ASL Grammar and Sentence Structure

ASL grammar is distinct from English, typically following a "Time + Topic + Comment" sentence structure. Verbs in ASL are not conjugated in the same way as in English; instead, time indicators and non-manual markers are used to convey tense. The sentence "I was hungry" in ASL would be signed as "Before, I hungry," using facial expressions and body language to indicate past tense. This structure highlights the visual and spatial nature of ASL, which allows for a diverse range of expression within its grammatical framework.

American Sign Language (ASL)

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

American Sign Language (ASL)