Here's why:
* ASL is a distinct language: It has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, separate from English or any other spoken language.
* The US does not have an official national language: The Constitution does not specify a national language, and there have been no successful attempts to officially designate one.
While ASL is recognized as a valuable form of communication and is increasingly taught and used, it's important to understand that it is not a replacement for English or any other spoken language. It exists alongside them as a distinct and vibrant linguistic system.