Comparison of ASL and PSE

1. Definition

• ASL (American Sign Language):
  A fully developed natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, used primarily by the Deaf community in the U.S. and parts of Canada.
• PSE (Pidgin Signed English):
  A blend of ASL and English, used often by Deaf and hearing people to bridge communication. It follows English word order more closely but uses ASL signs.

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2. Grammar & Syntax

• ASL:
  • Follows its own grammar rules (topic-comment structure).
  • Omits many English words and uses facial expressions and body language as grammatical markers.
  • Example: STORE I GO (instead of “I’m going to the store”).
• PSE:
  • Follows English word order more closely.
  • May drop some English words but keeps the general structure.
  • Example: I GO TO STORE.

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3. Vocabulary

• ASL:
  • Has its own signs, many of which are not direct translations of English words.
  • Incorporates classifiers and concept-based signs.
• PSE:
  • Uses ASL signs for English words, often one sign per word.
  • Less likely to use classifiers or complex ASL structures.

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4. Usage

• ASL:
  • Used by native Deaf signers and in Deaf education and culture.
  • Taught in ASL classes and used in official interpreting.
• PSE:
  • Commonly used by hearing individuals learning to sign.
  • Often seen in casual or mixed communication settings (between Deaf and hearing).

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5. Fluency & Community Perception

• ASL:
  • Considered the preferred and respected language of the Deaf community.
  • Fluency in ASL is often seen as a sign of cultural respect.
• PSE:
  • May be perceived as “simplified” or a stepping stone toward ASL fluency.
  • Accepted in some contexts, but not considered a full language.

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Summary Chart

Feature	ASL	PSE
Type	Full natural language	Contact sign system
Grammar	ASL-based (topic-comment)	English word order (somewhat)
Vocabulary	Unique signs, classifiers	ASL signs with English structure
Used by	Deaf community	Hearing learners, some Deaf users
Fluency recognition	Highly valued	Seen as less fluent