ASL Basics
What is ASL?
American Sign Language
What is a common term for people who identify as members of the Deaf cultural community?
Deaf, with a capital D
Who is known as the “Father of the Deaf” in France?
Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée.
Is ASL a language?
Yes
What does “Deaf” with a capital D generally represent?
Cultural Deaf identity.
Is ASL a universal sign language?
No. Different countries have their own sign languages.
What does Deaf culture emphasize?
Shared language, community, identity, history, and experiences.
Who was Laurent Clerc?
A Deaf French educator who helped establish the first permanent school for Deaf students in the United States.
What is a handshape?
The particular shape or configuration of the hand when making a sign.
What is Deaf gain?
A perspective that focuses on what Deaf people and Deaf ways of being contribute to society rather than viewing deafness only as a loss.
What three major components are important in producing a sign?
Handshape, location, and movement.
What is audism?
Discrimination or prejudice based on hearing ability, often involving the belief that hearing people or hearing ways are superior.
In what year was the American School for the Deaf established?
1817
What is location in ASL?
Where a sign is produced on or near the body or in signing space.
Why are Deaf clubs historically important?
They provided places for Deaf people to socialize, communicate, organize, and maintain community.
What facial features can change the meaning of an ASL sentence?
Non-manual signals, such as facial expressions and eyebrow movement.
Why is eye contact important in ASL communication?
t helps maintain visual communication and shows attention to the signer.
Who founded the American School for the Deaf with Laurent Clerc?
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
What is movement?
The motion the hands make as part of a sign.
Why is ASL important to Deaf identity?
ASL is a major part of Deaf culture and provides a shared language for many Deaf people.
Is ASL based on English grammar?
No. ASL has its own grammar and linguistic structure.
Why might a Deaf person wave a hand rather than call someone by voice?
To get visual attention.
What major 1880 event greatly influenced Deaf education?
The Milan Conference, which strongly promoted oral education over sign language.
What are non-manual markers?
Facial expressions, body movements, head movements, and other features that contribute grammatical information to ASL.
What is one important lesson Deaf history teaches us?
Deaf people have continually advocated for their language, education, culture, rights, and recognition.