Sign language allows you to have complex, meaningful conversations with those who have impaired hearing.
Using visual gestures, signs, and body language, you can communicate effectively with your loved one and express all your thoughts and peers.
But you need to know exactly what sign language suits you. After all, much like spoken languages, every region or country has its sign language, too.
American Sign Language (ASL) is different from other options as it contains unique sign language words. Fortunately, you can learn whichever suits you from Superprof’s qualified tutors.
This blog will explore the prominent differences between basic ASL and other versions of English sign language.
However, it is paramount to know about these different forms of communication before that. This way, you can effectively spot the differences to know what works for you.
What Is Basic ASL?
The American sign language is a complete natural language. In fact, researchers estimate that people have been speaking it for about two hundred years.
It is a mixture of the local sign language and the French sign language. Over the years, ASL has developed to become a complex and mature language.
ASL includes the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with the key difference being that it is expressed via the hands and face.
At the same time, it is different from English and comprises its own grammar and vocabulary. The American sign language is the primary language of many differently-abled North Americans.
As a result, it is also understood and used by those who can hear.
What Are English Versions Of The Sign Language?
The English sign language is widely spoken in countries where English is the national language. The British sign language is one of the oldest and most famous of all the options.
In fact, numerous studies estimate that around 150,000 people use British sign language in the UK.
It has many distinctive sign language words that evolved in the late 1700s and early 1800s at Thomas Braidwood’s schools for the deaf in the UK.
Following that, the British sign language continued to develop over the years to become a complete language.
Following colonialism, many other English-speaking countries adopted the British sign language style, such as Australia and New Zealand.
Grammarians and language experts theorize that the British, Auslan (Australian sign language), and New Zealand sign language are dialects of the same sign language.
These countries use the same grammar, manual alphabets, and vocabulary in their sign languages. You can take asl classes with Superprof’s online tutoring services.
These languages have substantive overlap due to their shared history. However, the British sign language different from ASL. So let’s explore some of these.
How Is The American Sign Language Different From The British And Other Versions Of Sign Language?
ASL differs from the British sign language. We have shared some prominent ones below.
| Language | American Sign Language | British Sign Language |
|---|---|---|
| Region | United States | United Kingdom |
| Since | 1817 | 1975 |
| No. of native speakers | Approximately 250,000-500,000 Americans | Approximately 50,000 to 70,000 British |
| Manual alphabet | One-handed | Two-handed |
| Fingerspelling | Substantive | Adequate |
| Growth rate | 17.7% | 15.4% |
| Popularity | High | Medium |
ASL and other English versions of sign languages can be complete opposites. They both are unique, with their own distinct style, grammar, and vocabulary.
One of the significant differences between ASL and BSL is that the American sign language uses a single hand to communicate the alphabet. In contrast, the British sign language uses two hands.
For instance, the vowels of BSL are described using both hands. Conversely, you easily portray the vowels and alphabets in ASL using a single hand.
Another key difference that you might notice in ASL’s sign language words is that you need to do substantive fingerspelling in conveying what you want to say.
On the other hand, the British sign language only uses fingerspelling for proper nouns such as names, places – when first said.
Moreover, ASL is currently more popular than the British sign language. And just like the English language, basic ASL continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.
Numerous people without hearing issues opt for joining American sign language courses due to their increasing popularity and use.
To help you learn the sign languages of any country or region, Superprof online asl classes are there to assist you.
They have professional and experienced private tutors for every sign language. You can hire a private tutor from their platform for any sign language you want to learn.
One of the prominent reasons for several people learning basic ASL is that there are a lot of individuals who are deaf or have hearing issues.
As a result, people face difficulty talking to them. However, learning ASL is a way to interact and build effective communication with them.
This way, you can interact with students and the business community of your region. Additionally, you can also socialize and build new relations with those near or around you who are differently abled.
Why Do Different Countries Have Their Own Version Of Sign Language?
People who are hard-of-hearing struggle to interpret and understand what other people are saying out loud.
Regardless of the language predominantly spoken around them, people who have hearing impairments cannot discern its sound or voice.
Following this, you might wonder why sign languages are different throughout the world. When every deaf person faces the same issue, what is the use of making other sign languages?
Would it not be easier if there was a universal sign language that everyone could use throughout the world.
However, this is not the case, and everyone has made their own sign language that they use in their country.
In fact, there are 138 and 300 different types of sign language spoken worldwide today.
This is because sign languages develop naturally, coming into existence on their own when deaf people from different groups and ethnicities interact with each other.
It helps the deaf communicate and participate in their respective communities.
Having a regional sign language makes the lives of differently-abled people easier as they can be sensitive to their everyday tasks and local sensibilities, allowing them to interact intimately with their fellow citizens.
Sign languages are never designed to be universal languages. In fact, they are often derived from the national language of the region.
Since sign language words are made from the alphabet and numbers of the national language of every country or locality, every sign language reflects the national language accordingly.
After all, sign language is only effective if it meets the unique needs of its region.
How Can I Teach Myself Sign Language Effectively?
If you wonder how to learn sign language, you are not alone. Several people seek ways to learn it but don’t know how. Fortunately, there are several ways to learn different types of sign languages.
The primary and productive way is to take a sign language course. You can enroll yourself in a sign language school, college, or educational institute.
There are numerous notable places and teachers that teach it.
But fortunately, online education has made it easy to get your hands on basic ASL and many other types via the web.
With just a few clicks, you can acquire assistance from world-class sign language teachers while sitting in the comfort and convenience of your home.
You do not have to worry about rushing to educational institutes or getting late and missing your class.
Additionally, studying online provides the leverage of gaining individual attention from your private tutor. You acquire more focused learning that will help you improve your learning experience.
Want To Learn Sign Languages With Expert Tutors Featured On Superprof?
One of the most reliable online education platforms is Superprof. We have been in the world of online education since 2013. Superprof has qualified private tutors with affordable rates and verified reviews.
Our tutors guarantee to provide quality educational services by using advanced technology. Our students get a smooth and glitch-free user experience, helping them learn and gain exposure.
Our platform provides teaching services for various subjects, including mathematics, sciences, hobbies, sports, arts, humanities, dance, etc.
Currently, there are 297 online tutors available on Superprof to teach basic ASL and other sign languages, including English versions.
For the best online learning experience, consider sign language classes near me with Superprof.
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