The Diversity of American Sign Language: Accents and Slang

Language, be it spoken or signed, is rich in its diversity and regional variations. While American Sign Language (ASL) is a standardized and widely recognized language, it is not devoid of regional dialects or 'accents'. This article explores the phenomenon of regional variations in ASL and how these variations add to the language's richness.

Regional Dialects in ASL

While I have lived in different areas in the United States, ranging from 2 to 4 hours driving distance away from each other, I have observed that there are distinct ways of signing certain words and concepts, such as the brand name Pepsi. I have noticed three different methods of signing the name Pepsi, highlighting the regional variations that exist within ASL.

Regional dialects in ASL are not as prevalent as in spoken languages, but they do exist. They are typically characterized by occasional differences in how certain signs are performed. For example, the signs for 'raspberry', 'pregnant', and 'Boston' might vary slightly between different regions. These variations are minor and do not significantly impede communication, but they do offer a glimpse into the regional influences on ASL.

The Concept of Accents in Sign Language

Just as there are accents in spoken languages, ASL also has its own way of displaying regional characteristics. An accent, in the context of sign language, refers to local differences in how a word or concept is signed. For instance, in French Sign Language (LSF), the sign for a particular word might vary based on the region. These variations are preserved and respected by sign language teachers and communities, maintaining linguistic diversity.

The history of LSF is instructive. For over a century, LSF was forbidden in France due to a misunderstanding fostered by a Congress in Milan. This led to the suppression of sign language, with deaf people continuing to use it in private. Over time, regional signs and variations emerged, preserving linguistic diversity. With the revival of LSF teaching in recent decades, local variations are now recognized and respected.

Are ASL and BSL Dialects the Same?

While ASL and British Sign Language (BSL) share many similarities, they also have distinct dialects. Both are signed languages, and as such, they share many linguistic characteristics. However, they also have unique features that differentiate them from each other. These differences, much like those in ASL, reflect regional variations rather than fundamental differences in the language.

Sign languages, like spoken languages, evolve and branch into families. They share phonemes (fundamental units of sound) in ASL, called cheremes, and have their own phonology and phonotactic constraints. Just as spoken languages borrow from each other, signed languages do too, incorporating loan signs from other languages. This cross-pollination of signed languages further enriches the linguistic landscape.

Conclusion

The richness of ASL lies in its diversity, which includes regional dialects, 'accents', and slang. These variations, while not as pronounced as those in spoken languages, offer a deeper insight into the speaker's or signer's background and regional influences. Recognizing and respecting these variations is crucial in maintaining the linguistic diversity and vitality of signed languages. As we continue to learn and appreciate the diversity of sign languages, we contribute to a more inclusive and culturally rich linguistic landscape.