Boston ASL Center
an initiative of the AES World Languages and Cultures Institute 501(c)3

Are ASL and English the Same?

No, ASL and English are completely different languages! For example: ASL has a different word order than English. To say: "I love coffee." You sign" "COFFEE I LOVE."

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Who uses Sign?

Short answer, anyone can use sign, not just Deaf people. American Sign Language is a visual language primarily used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community; however, hearing individuals also can use sign. Parts of sign language originated from Native American Hand Sign, small groups of Deaf people living in close communities, and French Sign Language. Many cultures and forms of language use visual hand signs as well - not just ASL!

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Is ASL the universal language of Sign?

No, there are many different forms of sign language used around the world that vary between country, culture, and regional variances. Similar to how people have accents, there are even different regional variances within ASL based on what part of the US you are in. It is also important to know that sign languages are not one-for-one translations of spoken languages. For example: Spanish Sign Language & Mexican Sign Language are not mutually intelligible like Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish are. 

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Who is considered deaf vs Deaf vs HoH?

Throughout this website and our ASL courses, you will encounter a lot of new and specific terminology. 'Deaf' people, with a capital D, are individuals who are both physically hearing impaired but also culturally identify with the rich history, culture, and shared experiences of the Deaf community. 'deaf' people, with a lowercase d, are individuals who are hearing impaired but do not culturally identify with the Deaf community. An example of someone who is Deaf would be someone who was born deaf, learned ASL as their primary language, and is actively involved in the community. An example of someone who is deaf would be perhaps your grandfather who was hearing his whole life, but lost his ability to hear due to old age. Hard of hearing (HoH) individuals are those living with some degree of hearing loss, but they are not considered medically profoundly deaf.

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Where is ASL used in the world?

ASL is used primarily in the U.S. as many other countries and communities have their own forms of sign language, but ASL is used in other countries as well! ASL is used in parts of Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and beyond! Even certain parts of the West Coast of Africa and Southeast Asia use ASL! This is phenomenon is due to international Deaf education programs as well as the migration of Deaf communities around the world.

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Is ASL just hand sign?

No, ASL encompasses your entire body. You use your facial expressions to add grammar and signing space (wing span) to encompass lots of variation in your sign. While some hand signals convey the same meaning in English as they do in ASL (for example: a thumbs up), ASL is more than just hand signals. It is also important to note that facial expressions are a CRUCIAL part of ASL grammar. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but with time and practice your signing will be much easier to understand when you incorporate hand signs, body movement, and facial expressions! 

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Why is it important to learn Deaf culture/history alongside the language?

Deafness and Sign Language heavily influence each other as this is a living language that changes over time with its users. It is incredibly important to recognize communities of individuals who have shaped ASL into the language and culture that it is. It is also important to learn about Deaf culture & history as a way to practice sign and a way to understand the oppression that Deaf individuals have experienced throughout time. We will learn about these topics alongside the language itself!

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Will I be able to communicate with the Deaf community after this program?

While you may learn lots of sign, it is incredibly important to immerse yourself in practicing the language and interacting with the Deaf community in order to achieve your full potential in sign. Like any skill, learning a language is a muscle which you need to frequently practice in order to gain fluency and comfortability. However, after the first course (B1 level) of our program, you will be able to hold small, basic conversations entirely in ASL. It is our goal that throughout the levels you will be able to full communicate with native Deaf signers. 

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What is 'the Medical Model' and why is it important to reject this when studying ASL?

'The Medical Model' is the idea that 'deafness' is a physical illness that we should strive to cure. This model has been reinforced through forcibly teaching Deaf people to speak English (instead of using ASL), the creation of cochlear implants and their encouragement of use by medical staff, and more. While it may be hard for hearing people with no connection to the Deaf community to understand, Deafness does not need to be cured. It is simply one part of Deaf people's identity. This is how Deaf people experience the world and it allows them to connect to other Deaf community members, the culture, and the past.

 

What is Deaf Pride? Why is it important?

Deaf Pride ties into the previous question and answer. This is the pride that Deaf people feel to be a part of a larger community with shared experiences, cultural values, and history. This helps shape a healthy and full Deaf identity in individuals. We will learn more about this topic in our Deaf Culture/History lessons! We will see how people display Deaf Pride through resilience, activism, art, and media. 

 

How can I be an ally to the Deaf community?

If you are already thinking about this, then you are on the right track! Being an ally to the Deaf community can take a lot of different forms. This can look like becoming an interpreter, fighting for equal rights and equitable access in all spaces, reading and viewing materials, or even simply learning ASL like you are! Get involved with your local Deaf community to learn how to better support their specific needs and initiatives!