What is the most important feature of ASL?

Question

I have found in learning ASL that the most important feature of the language is the use of your signing space because ASL is a "VISUAL/SPATIAL' language. Understanding how to use your signing space correctly will impact how you use other important features of the language such as directional verbs, constructed action/dialogue and classifiers. Without comprehension of this important feature, the signer would try to make it appear similar to the spoken language they have learned. In other words, they would want it to mimic the spoken language's syntax and grammatical construction. This is not possible because the language mode for ASL is not liner, not "WRITTEN/VERBAL.

For example, in most spoken languages there is a verb that establishes existence; in English that would appear as BE and all of its conjugations (am, are, is, etc.) In ASL, pointing at the person you are speaking to/about (Referencing) confirms their existence. So the English sentence, "He is her brother" lacks the word 'is' and is signed HE HER BROTHER.

So, when teaching ASL, my first lesson is to show students how to use Pronouns/Possessives.

Answer 1

Facial expression would be the most important feature. Grammar is in facial expressions as well; you can say a lot without using any hand signs! :-) Without facial expression, meaning can be lost, yet without hand signs, meaning can still be there as long as you use proper facial expression. Basically, all the non-manual, which is body movement, facial expression and mouth morphemes (the shape and movement of your mouth).

Facial expression is hard for some hearing adults to grasp when learning the language. So, it's best to practice in front of a mirror so that you master facial expression. ;-)

Answer 2

Yes I would agree that using space appropriately in ASL is critical and an important principle to teach early and to develop as learning progresses. Equally important non-manual signals that are used to convey basic grammatical forms. Affirmative statements like YOU STUDENT YOU require affirmative head-nodding which is actually functioning as the "affirmation/statement of fact" or as the verb "to be" functions in English. The same signs can be changed to a negative statement by accompanying them with headshaking back and forth communicating "no/not." The same three signs can be changed to a yes/no question by signing them with (1) raised eyebrows, (2) lowering the head and leaning slightly forward and (3) holding the last sign briefly longer. These three non-manual signals performed simultaneously along with the signs communicate the question "Are you a student?" Without non-manual signals, ASL would be a series of signs producing jibberish. Both use of space and the grammar communicated through the head, face and body are essential elements of ASL.