ASL Linguistics: Understanding the Grammar and Structure of American Sign Language

American Sign Language is used by more than half a million people throughout the United States. One common misconception about ASL is that the signs are used to produce English sentences, but that is not the case. American Sign Language is its very own native language, serving as a powerful communication tool for the Deaf community.

ASL Syntax

The syntax of a language is defined as its arrangement of words and phrases, and communicating in ASL does not follow the same sentence flow that individuals follow when actively speaking in English. The ASL structure frequently uses a topic-comment structure, or is often communicated as object + subject + verb. This is contrary to the English language, which uses a structure of subject + verb + object.

Here is an example of the differences:

• English language – “I like candy”
• ASL – “CANDY ME LIKE”

The object is “candy,” and the subject and verb structure is “I like.” As another example, In English, someone may state, “Yesterday, I went to the store.” In ASL, however, one would communicate that by signing “YESTERDAY STORE ME GO” (time, topic, comment).

Additionally, ASL does not typically incorporate tense inflectional suffixes like the English language. For example, “ran,” “runs,” and “running” are all signed as RUN, with time indicated separately. However, the form of the sign can change depending on meaning, context, and aspect, such as duration, intensity, or repetition. These modifications help convey when and how an action occurs.

• English – I ran
• ASL (gloss) – ME RUN FINISH

If English does not specify a time (no yesterday, last night, etc.), ASL can still show completion of the action using FINISH. This is about aspect, not tense.

• English – I ran yesterday
• ASL (gloss) – YESTERDAY ME RUN

YESTERDAY already establishes past tense in ASL. FINISH is not required once time is established.

ASL Morphology

Morphology refers to the study of the formation of words by morphemes connected by roots and affixes. The English language will typically follow a linear morphology style. For example, a noun’s root word, such as “apple,” could add an “s”
indicating two or more apples. The “s” changes the significance of the word, and connecting the two morphemes causes a change in the overall meaning.

So how does morphology affect ASL? Since the structure of ASL is completely different than spoken English, ASL morphology operates in another way.

Instead of morphemes being changed through roots and affixes, they’re changed through the sign itself and can occur simultaneously. Individuals communicating in sign language can also combine two existing signs. Instead of signing an “s” for apples, in ASL individuals will adjust their hand movements for the sign’s path to indicate numerical specifications.

An example of this can be seen with the sign AGREE. This sign is a compound of both THINK and SAME-AS but is formed into one sequence. This merging of signs represents an important foundational aspect of ASL.

ASL Non-Manual Markers

Since ASL is a visual language, facial expressions play an essential role in what’s being communicated, and they dictate the meaning of a sentence. Non-manual markers are seen as movement in the head, eyes, face, and upper body, such as raising eyebrows, shifting shoulders, leaning, or widening eyes.

These movements impact the context, tone, and grammatical structures of what’s being signed:

• Posing a general or rhetorical question 
• Displaying emotion toward the subject of a sentence
• Adding a negative tone
• Asking for clarification on something

This is similar to when speaking a language; the tone of your voice can impact the meaning of your sentence. The same applies to ASL, except it’s communicated through specific non-manual markers.

How Understanding ASL Linguistics Strengthens Interpretation and Communication Skills

Having a deeper knowledge of ASL linguistics provides a solid foundation in interpreting the language correctly. Since the structure of ASL is not the same as other spoken languages, knowing the syntax, morphemes, and non-manual markers will strengthen your ASL communication skills. You’ll be more equipped to recognize how different signs can flow into a seamless form of communication. They are crucial elements of the language and convey the complexity of the language itself.

Hone Your ASL Linguistics Skills with Kent State

Kent State’s Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies offers a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language, allowing students to immerse themselves in Deaf culture, develop fluency in the language, and prepare themselves for real-world situations where ASL communication is necessary.

If you’re interested in learning more about our ASL program, contact the Kent State team or apply to our program today.