Virginia M. answered 05/11/23
Experienced & Passionate ASL Teacher
ASL stands for American Sign Language and it is the language that is used by the Deaf Community (and its supporters) in the United States and English speaking areas of Canada. Research has proven that ASL is a complete language that follows different grammar and syntax rules then English. It is not “English on the hands.” In fact, it shares more similarities with French Sign Language than British Sign Language. It is also an active language meaning that it evolves over time just like any spoken language. And just like any other language ASL requires the same amount of time and dedication to achieve fluency, so it is not necessarily easier to learn than other languages. If you are a visual learner or you have a strong interest in WEL it may motivate you to learn it and thus, seem “easier” to learn than spoken languages. I hope this answers your question.