Asl

/eɪ ɛs ɛl/ noun

Definition

American Sign Language, a complete visual language used by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in North America.

Etymology

Acronym from English terms, but ASL itself developed from French Sign Language brought to America in 1817 by Laurent Clerc and Thomas Gallaudet. It evolved as a distinct language with its own grammar and syntax.

Kelly Says

ASL is not English translated into hand gestures but a completely independent language with its own grammar, humor, and poetry - signers can even have accents and dialects based on their regional or educational background.

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