american sign language: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “american sign language” mean?
A complete, natural visual-gestural language used primarily by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complete, natural visual-gestural language used primarily by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada.
A linguistically distinct signed language with its own grammar and syntax, unrelated to English, recognized as a legitimate language and used in educational, legal, and social contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK uses 'British Sign Language' (BSL), a different and mutually unintelligible language. US uses 'American Sign Language' (ASL). The term 'sign language' in the UK generally refers to BSL unless specified.
Connotations
In the US, 'ASL' is associated with Deaf culture and identity. In the UK, 'sign language' typically evokes BSL unless 'American' is specified.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in US contexts; in UK, the phrase appears mainly in comparative linguistics or when discussing international Deaf communities.
Grammar
How to Use “american sign language” in a Sentence
[Subject] learns American Sign Language[Subject] uses ASL to communicate[Institution] offers courses in ASLVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american sign language” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is learning to sign in American Sign Language.
- They sign beautifully in ASL.
American English
- He signs ASL fluently.
- We should sign up for an ASL workshop.
adverb
British English
- He communicated ASL-style using visual cues.
- The lecture was delivered partly in ASL.
American English
- She explained it ASL-first, then in English.
- He responded almost ASL-fluently.
adjective
British English
- The ASL community in London is growing.
- An ASL interpreter was present.
American English
- She is an ASL teacher.
- They offer ASL classes at the community centre.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Providing ASL interpreters for meetings to ensure accessibility compliance.
Academic
Research into the phonological structure of American Sign Language.
Everyday
My neighbour is taking an ASL course to chat with her Deaf cousin.
Technical
Linguistic analysis of non-manual markers in ASL morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american sign language”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american sign language”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american sign language”
- Using 'sign language' as if it's universal (it's not; ASL and BSL are different).
- Writing 'American sign language' without capitalising (should be capitalised as a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax, and idioms, unrelated to English structure.
Generally no; BSL and ASL are different languages with different origins and are not mutually intelligible.
Primarily in the US and parts of Canada; some influence in other countries, but many have their own national sign languages.
Yes, it is a proper noun naming a specific language, so all main words are typically capitalised.
A complete, natural visual-gestural language used primarily by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada.
American sign language is usually neutral to formal in register.
American sign language: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmerɪkən ˈsaɪn ˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛrɪkən ˈsaɪn ˌlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not on the same page (ASL equivalent: different signs)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASL = America's Silent Language (though it's not silent—it's visual).
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR INCLUSION
Practice
Quiz
What is American Sign Language primarily based on?