American ign Language英语论文.docVIP

American Sign Language On this page: What is American Sign Language? Is sign language the same around the globe? Where did ASL originate? How does ASL compare with spoken language? Why does ASL become a first language for many deaf people? Why emphasize early language learning? What does recent research say about ASL and other sign languages? Where can I get more information? What is American Sign Language? American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people. ASL is said to be the fourth most commonly used language in the United States. Top Is sign language the same around the globe? No one form of sign language is universal. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) differs notably from ASL. Different sign languages are used in different countries or regions. Top Where did ASL originate? The exact beginnings of ASL are not clear. Many people believe that ASL came mostly from French Sign Language (FSL). Others claim that the foundation for ASL existed before FSL was introduced in America in 1817. It was in that year that a French teacher named Laurent Clerc, brought to the United States by Thomas Gallaudet, founded the first school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. Clerc began teaching FSL to Americans, though many of his students were already fluent in their own forms of local, natural sign language. Todays ASL likely contains some of this early American signing. Which language had more to do with the formation of modern ASL is difficult to prove. Modern ASL and FSL share some elements, including a substantial amount of vocabulary. However, they are not mutually comprehensible. Top How does ASL compare with spoken language? In spoken language, the different sounds created by words and tones of voice (intonation)