What type of language is American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) is classified as a visual-gestural language because it primarily relies on visual cues and hand gestures for communication. Unlike spoken languages, which depend on sound, ASL uses the spatial and visual modality to convey meaning. In ASL, signs are created with specific configurations of the hands, facial expressions, and body movements, allowing users to express a range of ideas, emotions, and concepts effectively without the need for auditory input.

Visual-gestural languages like ASL have their own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary distinct from spoken languages. This characteristic is significant for the communication needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, enabling them to communicate in a fully accessible and natural manner.

Written languages involve symbols representing speech and are primarily used in written form, while oral languages depend on sound for spoken communication. Symbolic language, though it may refer to a broader concept involving symbols and meanings, does not specifically capture the visual and gestural aspects that define ASL. Therefore, the classification as a visual-gestural language accurately conveys the unique nature of American Sign Language.