ASL & English are different! 5 differences described by Trix Bruce

5 ways ASL and English are different
Educational content: Chris Wixtrom
Deaf ASL presenter: Trix Bruce

1. Method of expression
English and ASL are expressed differently:
English: voicing/speaking
ASL: signed with face, hands, body

2. Method of reception
English and ASL are received differently:
English: Access by hearing/listening
ASL: Access by watching/seeing

3. Synchronous vs linear
Physiologically and neurologically, we express and receive English and ASL in different ways.
Cognitively, the brain processes English and ASL in different ways.

English is primarily linear. When we speak English, our “utterances” are presented in a linear, sequential way, with one sound, word, or sentence after another. Sounds, words and sentences are “lined up.” Within this process, volume and tone vary.

When we listen to English, we hear the sounds, words, and sentences in a linear, sequential way. Of course, we also perceive varied volume and tone.

We write and read English in a linear way. We write and read letters, words, and sentences sequentially, one after the other.

ASL is primarily synchronous. Extensive, dynamic (moving) visual information is presented simultaneously (at the same time). Our eyes receive this visual information with both focal points and more peripheral input. We see the “whole picture” all at once.

A signer presents a dynamic (moving) message. All at the same time, signed utterances include facial configurations (non-manual signals), head and shoulder movements (such as ASL role shifting), and arm and hand movements. The hands present various configurations (handshapes), palm orientations, and directional movements. Signed information may be presented as if in a “life-size” reference frame or as in an “abstract” reference frame. The brain processes spoken and visual languages in different ways.

4. Origins of development
Hearing people naturally developed English.
Deaf people naturally developed ASL.

5. Context requirements
English words have different meanings depending on their context. For example, a single word has different meanings in different sentences.
ASL gives context within a comprehensive visual presentation.

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Timestamps:
5 ways ASL and English are different
Educational content: Chris Wixtrom
Deaf ASL presenter: Trix Bruce
0:00 Intro 5 ways ASL and English are different
0:15 Method of expression (Topic 1)
1:07 Method of reception (Topic 2)
1:42 Linear vs synchronous (Topic 3)
2:28 Origins of development (Topic 4)
3:22 Context (Topic 5)
5:18 Closing: Trix: “Bye!”
5:38 Producer Chris Wixtrom: “Bye!”
5:40 Credits

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