What
is American Sign Language?
American
Sign Language, commonly referred to as ASL, is the first
language of most deaf people in the United States of
America and Canada. ASL is not used by deaf people in
other English-speaking countries of the world such as
Great Britain or Australia.
ASL
is a complete language. It can express any idea as fully
as any spoken language. Information is received primarily
through vision and is expressed with the hands and body.
It is therefore referred to as a visual-gestural language.
While
actual signs are very important in conveying information,
they provide only part of the message. Facial expressions
and body language are vital components of ASL.
How
long does it take to learn ASL?
While
a specific time frame cannot be given, it can be said
that since ASL is a language, it takes as long to learn
as learning any other language. Factors such as natural
ability, level of motivation, quality of instruction,
and opportunity to practice will affect your success
in learning. So, it does take time, but you will find
it a rewarding and satisfying experience.
What
is the function of fingerspelling in American Sign Language?
Fingerspelling
(FS) in ASL means using the manual alphabet - handshapes
used to respresent letters - to spell English words.
The process of taking a word literally from one language
to another is called transliteration. When people using
two different languages come into contact with each
other, they will at times employ some transliteration.
Since
deaf people who use ASL are surrounded by a society
where English is the dominant language, they utilize
FS. It is used to proper names, brand names and titles.
FS
is easier to understand if you remember that it is usually
done within a context. For example, "My car, T-O-Y-O-T-A",
or "My brother name R-I-C-K". The context
is important to comprehension.
When
a signer uses FS for an uncommon or unfamiliar word,
it is spelled deliberately, letter by letter. This is
comparable to printing written information. For common
and familiar words, FS is done quickly and smoothly
as when we write using script. Mouth movements are used
with FS since it is representing English words. Individual
letters are not mouthed, but syllables are. The mouthing
should match the speed of the FS. When FS two or more
words, such as a first and last name, there should be
a short pause in between the words.
Certain
letter combinations will flow more easily. BUMP
or BROWN are difficult. LOVE
and COKE are easier. The key
to mastery is: practice, practice, practice!