Asl Quiz

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States and much of Canada. With approximately 500,000 - 2 million native or near-native users, ASL is a complete, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and rich expressive capacity - It is not a visual representation of English, but a distinct language in its own right. ASL was developed in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, through the influence of French Sign Language brought by Laurent Clerc and the existing home sign systems of students, most notably Alice Cogswell.

ASL Grammar and Structure

ASL's grammar differs significantly from English. ASL uses topic-comment structure (rather than subject-verb-object), spatial grammar (using the space in front of the signer to represent relationships and locations), and complex facial grammar - Facial expressions are grammatically required in ASL, not optional. For example, raised eyebrows indicate a yes/no question, while furrowed brows indicate a wh-question (who, what, when, where, why, how). ASL uses handshapes, movement, location, orientation, and non-manual markers (facial expressions and mouth movements) to convey meaning. The ASL manual alphabet (fingerspelling) allows signers to spell English words using 26 handshapes.

ASL is recognized as a full and legitimate language by linguists since William Stokoe's groundbreaking 1960 research. Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. is the world's only university designed to serve primarily Deaf and hard of hearing students. The Deaf community has a rich culture distinct from the hearing world, with its own history, arts, humor, and shared experiences. Cochlear implant debates, Deaf education policy ("oralism vs. manualism"), and the legal rights of Deaf individuals have been significant issues. ASL interpreters work in educational, legal, medical, and media settings. Test your ASL knowledge with this quiz - Also try our sign language alphabet quiz.