Do Regional Accents Exist in American Sign Language ASL?
A Personal Reflection on Deafness and Sign Language
I am one of the older members of the ASL community, having lost my hearing at the age of 7 in the 1970s. It has been nearly 50 years since then, a period marked both by the evolution of ASL and by my distinctive journey as a deaf individual navigating the challenges and nuances of sign language.
The Birth of Sign Language in My Household
When I first became deaf, sign language was not as readily available as it is today. I had to adapt my signs, influenced by my hearing parents and six hearing siblings. The difference between my signs and those used in deaf schools was significant, but necessary for me to function in a hearing world. My father was particularly influential in this decision, stating that if he wanted to live in a hearing world, he would have to learn to function in that world. This perspective significantly shaped my approach to sign language and deaf identity.
The Influence of Culture and Language
My parents, born in the "glory days" of the United States post-WWII, brought a unique blend of cultural influences to our household. My father was of Scottish origin, while my mother was Irish. The song 'My Father He Was Orange But My Mother He Was Green' reflects the complex cultural dynamics of their backgrounds. Despite these influences, my parents insisted on speaking English at home, a decision that shaped my early exposure to American culture and language.
The Evolution of ASL: Adapting and Growing
While I can be considered somewhat 'old school,' my adaptation to ASL has been a journey of growth and evolution. As I moved from my own signs to ASL, I observed how the language continued to develop and adapt. The Gallaudet ASL Dictionary and the formation of the deaf community have played crucial roles in this evolution. Despite my reluctance to change, it was necessary to adapt to the expanding ASL community and its new forms.
The Reality of ASL Today
Today, ASL is more widely accessible than it has been in the past. For instance, video chats at local stores are often conducted in ASL. The cultural shift towards acceptance and awareness of ASL has been remarkable. As masks are no longer worn, the community can chat freely, and basic ASL is everywhere. This resurgence of ASL use has brought a renewed sense of pride and connection among the deaf community.
Examples of Regional Dialects in ASL
One interesting aspect of ASL is the diversity of regional dialects. Regional dialects are evident in the way certain signs are performed, reflecting the unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds of different regions. For instance, the sign for 'CANDY' differs significantly between regions. In northern California, the standard sign involves an index finger on the side of the cheek, twisting several times. In Northwest Indiana, however, 'CANDY' is signed as an upward movement of the 'U' handshape (open or closed) from the chin.
Another example is the sign for 'NOT-CARE-FOR'. This is a relatively new sign that includes the 'HS: Y' handshape moving downward from the cheek, conveying a 'don’t care' expression. However, in my region, we would use a 'clawed-C' handshape with the palm out, moving across the chin, or a two-handed sign where one hand shapes 'B' and brushes across the other hand near the chin. These regional variations challenge the standardization of ASL, highlighting the dynamic nature of the language.
In conclusion, regional accents in ASL are very much real and play a significant role in the language's evolution. They reflect the diverse cultural, linguistic, and historical backgrounds of the deaf community. As ASL continues to grow and change, these regional dialects will certainly remain an important part of its character.