What is ASL?
ASL is a language that is visual rather than auditory. It is primarily used with signs with the hands and complimented by expressions with the face. ASL was recognized in 1960 as a verified language with its own syntax and grammatical structure. In 2013 a petition was sent to the White House to acknowledge it as a language to be studied in colleges and universities. It is currently one of the most studied languages in the U.S.
ASL has been in the United States since the 1810’s, when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet founded the first American school for the Deaf in Hartford Connecticut, with the help of a Deaf teacher from France, Laurent Clerc. The influence of French Sign Language is strong with ASL, and the two languages are very close. There are currently between 180-300 signing systems throughout the world. Although ASL is most prevalent in the United States and Canada, other countries have their own sign language systems. There is no “universal” sign language used worldwide, although ASL is one of the most popular signing systems throughout the world.
Currently, an estimated 250,000-500,000 people speak ASL in the U.S. and Canada. It is one of the most commonly studied languages, however. There is good reason for this: using sign language is not just for those who can’t hear. Many people with other disabilities such as autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and aphasia use it as well as an essential means to communicate. Many parents are now using it with their pre-verbal children to better prepare their brains for language development. And it’s great to use in a library because it keeps the noise down! ASL is for everyone, whether you are hearing or Deaf.
Greater Visibility of ASL:
ASL has grown in popularity. The making of such award winning films as “Children of a Lesser God” and “C.O.D.A. (Child of Deaf Adults)”, along with many celebrities with hearing loss have made Deafness and ASL more visible, and more mainstreamed. Just a few celebrities who have a hearing impairment include:
- Stephen Colbert
- Marlee Maitlin
- Halle Berry
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Holly Hunter
- Millie Bobby Brown
- Rob Lowe
- Jodie Foster
And many others…
Bay Area Deaf Community
Here in the Bay Area, we have a vibrant Deaf community thanks to the California School for the Deaf and Ohlone College, which has a strong academic program for Deaf Studies. These institutions and instructors keep Deaf Culture and ASL alive and flourishing in the Bay Area. The California School for the Deaf was gracious enough to send a link to several children’s books which are signed by Deaf storytellers. Note how expressive the signers are when signing the books, and how much it adds to the story beyond just the words.
Find Books About ASL at SJPL
Here, too, are some materials that are available at the San Jose Library System regarding ASL and Deaf Culture for children and parents:
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