American Sign Language (ASL) Examples and Information
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/01/20 - Updated: 2025/10/09
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Deaf Communication - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information provides a practical overview of American Sign Language as a complete visual communication system used primarily by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, their families, and interpreters. Written by an experienced disability rights advocate with decades of editorial expertise in accessibility issues, the piece offers reliable guidance on ASL's structural elements, its disputed origins (possibly derived from French Sign Language around 1817), and its status as an independent language with distinct grammar and syntax separate from English.
The content proves useful for anyone seeking to understand how ASL functions through hand shapes, palm orientation, placement, movement, and facial expressions—elements remembered by the acronym HOLME—and why early exposure to sign language benefits deaf children's communication development. Its straightforward explanations of letter formations, regional variations, and learning pathways make it a solid starting resource for educators, healthcare providers, family members of deaf individuals, and anyone interested in expanding their communication skills across the disability spectrum - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
American Sign Language (ASL) is a language that uses physical means of communication, such as body language and lip patterns, instead of oral sound in order to communicate.
Main Content
American Sign Language is a complete language. It is very complex and uses motions of the hands to make signs and facial expressions, and posture to communicate. Usually referred to as ASL, the language is a way to use hand movements, gestures, and facial expressions to convey thoughts.
Many people find sign language fascinating. While other languages take years to learn, American Sign Language can be taught in a much shorter time period. It is one of the easiest languages to learn because most of the signs were developed to mimic the actual word or phrase it is representing. Even the alphabet signs look like the letters of the English alphabet.
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.
Even though ASL is used in America, it is a language completely separate from English. It contains all the fundamental features a language needs to function on its own as it has its own rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence order.
The person simultaneously uses their hands to show shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or the body, and also facial expressions to convey the message or express thoughts. American sign languages as in other sign languages is used mostly among the deaf, which can include interpreters and friends and families of deaf people as well as people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Just as is the case of spoken language, sign language also differs from one region to another.
Some of the letters are very intuitive, with the symbol for the letter looking exactly like the letter itself. For example, the letter L is made by extending the index finger of the right hand straight up with the thumb pointing to your left. To you, it looks like a backwards L, but to the person you're signing, it looks exactly like the letter L. The same thing with the letter V, which is actually made by giving the "Victory" sign that is used for any battle or war.
One uses dominantly the hand with the palm facing the viewer. The hand should remain in place. It can slightly drift from the mid line when a text is being written in the air. There should be short pauses between words when dealing with long sentences. Excessive jewelery or long nails can distract some people. When spelling acronyms, the letters are moved along a small circle to show that they are read together.
A deaf child who is born to deaf parents who already use ASL will begin to acquire ASL as naturally as a hearing child picks up spoken language from hearing parents. The earlier any child is exposed to and begins to acquire sign language, the better that child's communication skills will become.
When you study ASL you learn the elements of the language including:
- Hand-shape
- Palm Orientation
- Place of Articulation
- Movement
- Facial Expression
All of these elements go by the acronym HOLME.
When you are learning American Sign Language you will want to learn the alphabet first. There are many places that you can learn the alphabet. There are online resources, books, DVD's, and other resources that will help you learn have to sign the alphabet. The next stage is actually learning the sign for the word or the phrase.
Learning American Sign Language is a very useful thing to do. It can help you personally and professionally as well as giving you a sense of accomplishment. The easiest way to learn ASL is to take the Learn American Sign Language program.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The accessibility of American Sign Language as a learnable skill bridges communication gaps that have historically isolated deaf communities, yet its effectiveness depends on widespread adoption beyond necessity. When hearing individuals take the initiative to learn ASL—not out of obligation but genuine interest in connecting across linguistic differences—they demonstrate that inclusion works both ways. The language's visual-spatial nature also offers cognitive benefits that researchers are only beginning to understand, suggesting that ASL literacy could enhance spatial reasoning and visual processing skills for learners of all hearing abilities. As society moves toward genuine inclusivity, ASL proficiency may eventually be viewed not as a specialized skill but as a valuable form of multilingualism - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.