1. Sign Structure and Grammar:
* Sign Order: BSL primarily uses a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order, similar to English. ASL, on the other hand, often employs a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order, which is more common in other signed languages.
* Facial Expressions and Body Language: BSL utilizes facial expressions and body language extensively for grammatical information, including tense, mood, and negation. ASL also relies on facial expressions, but their grammatical function may differ from BSL.
* Number Incorporation: BSL incorporates numbers directly into signs, while ASL often uses separate signs for numbers, followed by the sign for the object.
* Verb Agreement: BSL utilizes verb agreement markers to indicate the subject and object of a sentence, while ASL often uses spatial information or classifiers to convey the same meaning.
2. Sign Vocabulary and Terminology:
* Distinct Signs: Many signs in BSL and ASL are different, reflecting the cultural and linguistic differences between the two languages.
* Borrowed Signs: Both languages have borrowed signs from other signed languages and spoken languages, but the specific signs borrowed may vary.
3. Linguistic History and Development:
* Origins: BSL developed independently of ASL, with roots in the deaf communities of Britain and Ireland. ASL originated from French Sign Language (LSF) and evolved in the United States.
* Historical Influences: The historical influences on BSL include British Sign Language (BSL), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and other European sign languages. ASL has been influenced by LSF, as well as American English.
4. Cultural Context:
* Deaf Community: BSL and ASL are deeply embedded within their respective deaf communities and reflect their cultural values and practices. The two languages may have different sign conventions and expressions that reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of each community.
5. Regional Variations:
* Dialects: BSL and ASL both have regional variations, leading to variations in sign vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Overall:
BSL and ASL are distinct languages with their own unique features and cultural significance. While they share some common origins and may have some similar signs, their sign structures, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural contexts are fundamentally different.