Debunking the Myths: American Sign Language as a Real Language

When we talk about language, we often think of words spoken or written, but there’s a rich and diverse world of languages beyond what meets the ear or eye. American Sign Language (ASL), a manual language used by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada, is one such language that often faces misconceptions. Let’s address the myths and affirm unequivocally that ASL is indeed a real language.

Straight Answer: Yes! Absolutely.

To start with, there is no doubt that ASL is a legitimate language. It’s a visual-spatial language that employs a combination of hand and body movements, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning. It has its own unique grammar and linguistic properties, distinct from spoken languages like English. In the words of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), “American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English.”

ASL is not merely a collection of gestures used in the absence of spoken language. It’s a complex, sophisticated language with a rich linguistic structure that enables its users to express nuanced thoughts, emotions, and concepts. So, if you ever find yourself wondering if ASL is a real language, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Why the Question? Debunking ASL Myths

Regrettably, ASL continues to face a barrage of misconceptions and myths that challenge its legitimacy. The most significant myth, and perhaps the most harmful one, is the belief that ASL isn’t a real language. This misconception not only undermines the Deaf community but also perpetuates ignorance among the hearing population.

Let’s delve into a few other myths that have contributed to this misunderstanding:

• It’s ‘English for your hands’ therefore it’s not a distinct language from English: This myth assumes that ASL is simply a direct translation of English into hand movements. In reality, ASL has its own syntax, vocabulary, and grammatical rules that differ significantly from English.
• Spoken languages are more advanced than signed languages: This misconception is rooted in the belief that spoken languages are more sophisticated or evolved than signed languages. This notion couldn’t be farther from the truth. All languages, including ASL, are equally complex and capable of expressing the full range of human thought and emotion.
• ASL is a universal language: ASL is not a universal language; it is specific to Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada. Just as there are numerous spoken languages worldwide, there are also different sign languages used by Deaf communities in various countries.

Consequences of Myth-Believing

Believing these myths has far-reaching consequences, both for the Deaf and hearing communities. One significant consequence is that many educational institutions do not recognize American Sign Language as a legitimate language for foreign language credit. This exclusion exacerbates the informational gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

When ASL is not offered as a language option in schools, hearing students who are interested in learning ASL are denied the opportunity. This perpetuates the cycle of myth-believing and reinforces the idea that ASL is somehow less valuable or significant than spoken languages.

Moreover, when ASL is not recognized as a legitimate language, it can lead to reduced accessibility for Deaf individuals in various settings, including healthcare, education, and employment. It perpetuates the marginalization of the Deaf community and hinders their ability to fully participate in society.

In Conclusion

American Sign Language is not only a real language but also a vital means of communication and cultural expression for Deaf communities. It has its own linguistic structure, grammar, and vocabulary, which distinguish it from spoken languages like English. Debunking the myths surrounding ASL is essential to promote understanding, inclusivity, and equality for Deaf individuals. Recognizing ASL as a legitimate language and offering it as a learning option in educational institutions is a step toward bridging the informational gap and fostering a more inclusive society where all languages are valued and respected.