* ASL is a visual language: It relies on handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements, not spoken words.
* ASL signs can be complex: They often combine handshapes, locations, and movements, making a simple "word count" difficult.
* ASL has a rich vocabulary: It has signs for common concepts, abstract ideas, and many words that don't have direct English equivalents.
Instead of counting "words," it's more accurate to think of ASL as a language with its own grammar and vocabulary. ASL has a vast system of signs, which are constantly evolving and expanding.
Here's a more helpful way to think about it:
* ASL is a complete language: It can express all the ideas and concepts that spoken languages can, and it has its own unique structure and rules.
* ASL has a rich cultural history: It is a vibrant and expressive language that has been developed and passed down through generations of Deaf people.
While we can't count the "words" in ASL, we can appreciate its complexity and richness as a fully developed and evolving language.