How has English influenced on ASL?

While ASL (American Sign Language) is a distinct language with its own grammar and structure, English has undoubtedly influenced it in various ways. Here's a breakdown of some key areas:

1. Vocabulary:

* Loan Signs: ASL has adopted many signs directly from English words, often using the first letter of the word or a related concept. Examples include "book", "chair", "car", and "phone".

* Fingerspelling: Fingerspelling (spelling words using finger configurations) is a crucial part of ASL, allowing signers to represent words not yet established as signs or for proper nouns. It is directly derived from the English alphabet.

* Concept Signs: Many signs in ASL represent concepts that are heavily influenced by English, such as "democracy", "science", or "technology."

2. Grammar:

* Word Order: While ASL has a different grammatical structure than English, the influence of English can be seen in the basic subject-verb-object order of some sentences.

* Sentence Structure: ASL utilizes temporal markers (signs indicating time) and classifiers (signs representing objects) to structure sentences. While these elements differ significantly from English, they can be seen as mirroring the way English uses prepositions and articles to convey information.

3. Cultural Influence:

* Social Conventions: ASL is influenced by American culture and societal norms, reflected in the way signers interact and communicate. The use of certain signs or expressions may be influenced by English language conventions.

* Exposure: The majority of Deaf individuals in the United States have exposure to English, which can influence their understanding of concepts and vocabulary, even when signing in ASL.

However, it's important to note that:

* ASL is its own language. While influenced by English, it has developed its own grammar, syntax, and lexicon, making it distinct from English.

* Sign language development is complex. Influences can come from various sources, including other sign languages, spoken languages, and cultural contexts.

In conclusion, English has played a significant role in shaping ASL, particularly in vocabulary and certain grammatical aspects. However, ASL has evolved into a complex and independent language with its own unique structure and expression.