One of the first things new ASL learners notice is that something feels… missing. Where are the words is, am, and are? If you’re used to English, this can feel strange at first. But here’s the important truth: ASL doesn’t need “is, am, are” to be clear, grammatical, or complete. Let’s break down why. ASL Is Not English […]
If you’re new to American Sign Language, you’ve probably thought this at least once: “Why does ASL feel backward?” You’re not imagining it — ASL word order is different from English. But here’s the good news: it isn’t backward at all. It’s just organized around meaning, not English sentence structure. Once you understand why ASL is structured the way […]
If you’ve ever been told, “That’s English on the hands,” you’ve encountered English interference. English interference is one of the most common—and most frustrating—challenges for people learning American Sign Language (ASL). The good news? It’s completely normal. Even better news? Once you understand it, you can start fixing it. Let’s break it down. What Is English Interference? English […]
When people first start learning American Sign Language (ASL), they often focus on handshapes, movement, and vocabulary. That makes sense — it’s where most learners begin. But there’s something just as important (and often misunderstood): Facial expressions in ASL are not “extra.” They are grammar. If you remove facial expressions from ASL, you don’t just lose […]
One of the first surprises for ASL learners is realizing that there isn’t always just one “correct” sign for an English word. You might learn a sign in class, see a different version online, and then watch a Deaf signer use another one entirely — and suddenly wonder, “Wait… which one is right?” The short answer? They all might be. […]
If you’ve ever watched someone sign in American Sign Language (ASL) with the sound turned off, you might have noticed something surprising:you start to understand more, not less. This isn’t accidental. In fact, removing sound can actually help your brain learn ASL faster and more accurately. Let’s talk about why. 1. Your Brain Stops Leaning on English When […]
One of the biggest misconceptions about American Sign Language (ASL) is the idea that it’s simply English signed.That ASL is just English words placed on the hands. It’s not. And understanding why that matters is essential for anyone learning ASL—or teaching it. ASL Is a Language, Not a Code ASL is a fully developed, natural language with its own: Just […]