Why ASL Isn’t Universal: A Short History for Parents
Excerpt: Ever wondered why American Sign Language (ASL) isn't the same as British Sign Language (BSL)? This parent-friendly guide explores the fascinating history of how sign languages developed independently around the world: and why that diversity matters for Deaf communities today.
SEO Meta Title: Why ASL Isn't Universal: A Short History of Sign Language for Parents
SEO Meta Description: Discover why American Sign Language differs from British Sign Language and other sign languages worldwide. Learn the history of ASL, how Deaf schools shaped it, and what this means for families in Spokane and Eastern Washington.
If you're a parent exploring sign language for your child, you've probably had this thought: Why isn't sign language the same everywhere?
It's a great question: and one we hear often from families in our community. After all, wouldn't it be simpler if everyone around the world used the same signs?
The short answer: sign languages developed naturally within communities, just like spoken languages did. And understanding this history can actually help you appreciate the rich culture and identity tied to ASL.
Let's break it down.
The Surprising Truth: Sign Languages Are as Diverse as Spoken Languages
Here's something that surprises many parents: American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are completely different languages. A Deaf person from the United States and a Deaf person from England would not understand each other's signing without learning the other's language first.
Wait: but the U.S. and UK both speak English, right?
Exactly. And that's the key insight. Sign languages didn't develop from spoken languages. They developed independently within Deaf communities, shaped by geography, culture, and history.
Think about it this way: spoken English in America came from British colonizers, so our languages share roots. But ASL didn't come from Britain at all. It has an entirely different origin story.
A Brief History of ASL
American Sign Language is over 200 years old. Its roots trace back to the early 1800s, when a minister named Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet traveled to Europe to learn methods for educating Deaf children.
In France, Gallaudet met Laurent Clerc, a Deaf educator who was fluent in French Sign Language (LSF). Clerc agreed to return to America with Gallaudet, and together they founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817.
This was a turning point.
At the school, French Sign Language mixed with the various regional sign systems that Deaf Americans were already using in their homes and communities. Over time, these influences blended together and evolved into what we now call American Sign Language.
So ASL is actually more closely related to French Sign Language than to British Sign Language: even though Americans and Brits share a spoken language.
Why Didn't One Universal Sign Language Develop?
The same reason we don't all speak one universal spoken language: languages grow organically within communities.
Before formal Deaf education existed, Deaf individuals in different regions developed their own ways of communicating with family and neighbors. These "home signs" and local signing systems were as varied as the communities that created them.
When Deaf schools were established in different countries, each school became a hub where local signing systems could standardize and grow. But because these schools developed independently: in France, Britain, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere: each country's sign language took its own path.
Geographic isolation played a role too. Before the internet, Deaf communities in different countries had limited contact with each other. Their languages evolved separately, just as spoken languages did across continents over thousands of years.
ASL vs. BSL: A Quick Comparison
To give you a concrete example, let's compare ASL and BSL:
| Feature | ASL (American) | BSL (British) |
|---|---|---|
| Alphabet | One-handed fingerspelling | Two-handed fingerspelling |
| Grammar | Distinct from English grammar | Distinct from English grammar |
| Origins | French Sign Language + American regional signs | British Deaf community origins |
| Mutual intelligibility | No | No |
A Deaf ASL user watching someone sign in BSL would be just as lost as an English speaker listening to Mandarin. The vocabulary, grammar, and even the way space is used are fundamentally different.
This isn't a flaw: it's a feature. Each sign language reflects the unique history and culture of its Deaf community.
The Role of Deaf Schools and Deaf Culture
Deaf schools have been essential to the development and preservation of sign languages. These institutions brought Deaf children together: often for the first time: giving them a community where signed communication could flourish.
In the United States, the American School for the Deaf set the foundation, but many other schools followed. Each became a place where ASL was passed down from older students to younger ones, where Deaf culture developed, and where language could evolve naturally among fluent users.
It's worth noting that the history of Deaf education in America includes both integration and segregation. During the era of segregated schools, Black Deaf students attended separate institutions. These schools developed their own rich signing traditions, sometimes preserving older forms of ASL that changed or disappeared in white Deaf schools.
This history reminds us that ASL isn't monolithic: it has regional variations, generational differences, and cultural layers that reflect the diverse experiences of Deaf Americans.
For families interested in learning more about this history, we recommend "The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL" by Gallaudet University professors Carolyn McCaskill, Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley, and Joseph Hill, along with its companion documentary.
What This Means for Families Today
Understanding that ASL is a complete, natural language: not a simplified version of English or a universal code: matters for a few reasons:
1. Language is tied to identity. For many Deaf individuals, ASL isn't just a communication tool. It's a core part of their cultural identity. Respecting ASL means respecting Deaf culture.
2. Access looks different for different families. A family with roots in another country might have experience with a different sign language. Being aware of this diversity helps us meet families where they are.
3. Learning ASL opens doors. When hearing family members learn ASL, they're not just picking up vocabulary: they're gaining access to a vibrant community and culture.
For Spokane and Eastern Washington Families
Here in Spokane and across Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we're fortunate to have an active Deaf community with deep roots. Local organizations, events, and educational resources make it possible for families to connect and learn.
If you're a parent wondering whether ASL might benefit your child: whether they're Deaf, hard of hearing, or a hearing child who could benefit from visual communication supports: you're not alone. Many families in our region are asking the same questions.
At Hands in Motion PNW, we believe in meeting each child and family where they are. We're here to support language development in whatever form works best for your child, and we're happy to help you navigate your options.
Ready to Learn More?
If you have questions about ASL, language development, or how we can support your family, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Hands in Motion PNW to learn more about our services or to schedule a conversation. We're here to help.
Learn More
- Gallaudet University: History of ASL : gallaudet.edu
- "The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL" : Book and documentary by McCaskill, Lucas, Bayley, and Hill
- National Association of the Deaf : nad.org
Categories: History, ASL / Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Resources
Tags: sign language history, Deaf community Spokane, ASL, language development, inclusion, American Sign Language, BSL, Deaf culture, Eastern Washington