Difference Between American Sign Language and Indian Sign Language

Difference Between American Sign Language and Indian Sign Language

Sign languages are an important means of communication for the deaf and speech-impaired. They are full of history, culture, and structure but vary with characteristics. Of all the many sign languages in use around the globe, American Sign Language (ASL) and Indian Sign Language (ISL) are two of the most dominant systems. Even though they share the same objective, they differ drastically in terms of structure, origin, and usage.

About Sign Languages

Sign languages are natural languages that use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate meaning. Since they are not universal, each region and community develops a different language of their own, reflecting the local culture and the particular needs of the local deaf communities. ASL and ISL are good examples of how sign languages evolve differently in different parts of the world.

Sign languages are not a recent invention. From the available historical accounts, gestures and signs have been used in human communication for thousands of years between ancient civilizations. As time went by, these gestures eventually transformed into organized systems and birthed the numerous sign languages used today. To deaf people, sign languages represent expression but also form a culture identity and empowerment.

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary sign language used in the United States and parts of Canada. It is derived from French Sign Language (LSF) and regional signs used in America in the early 19th century. Its grammar, syntax, and usage of space distinguish ASL as a unique form of communication, unlike spoken English, which has its own linguistic rules, making it a distinct language rather than the signed version of English.

ASL is a sign language that conveys meaning through signs, facial expression, and also through body posture. It uses a complex structure of grammar since the tense of mood is to be conveyed through the alterations in facial movement or the opposite direction of some signs. For this reason, ASL could be termed an expressive and vivid language. It can also be established that ASL is well-represented, and its application is not isolated to one locality; it spans educational institutions to various parts of North America for further development.

What is Indian Sign Language (ISL)?

ISL or Indian Sign Language is the adopted sign language of the Indian deaf community. It is a product of the great cultural diversity and regional differences of India. The efforts of the ISLRTC are to promote standard ISL by establishing research and training centres and promoting the mode of ISL as an officially recognized language.

How Do the Origins of ASL and ISL Differ?

Historical development of ASL and ISL is unique in itself. ASL was evolved from French Sign Language introduced by Laurent Clerc, a French educator and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the American minister. With the help of time, the structure and grammar of ASL developed. In contrast, ISL has grown more organically under the influence of India's fantastic cultural diversity. ISL only began to grow within the last few decades with formal recognition and standardization.

Differences in Hand Usage Between ASL and ISL

One notable difference in the use of hand gestures between ASL and ISL is that one-handed signs characterize the use of hand gestures in ASL; it is quite efficient and effective. However, in ISL, two-handed gestures are predominant and represent an alternate way to present meaning. This variation signifies how each of the languages was uniquely evolved in the specific culture and regional surroundings. The second difference is one-handed versus two-handed signs. The two factors might be faster and flowy. ASL is a language for quick conversation since the transition from one gesture to another is swift. This is because ASL is mostly using one-handed signs. ISL uses two-handed signs, and its major emphasis and clarification make it appropriate in school and official use.

How Do ASL and ISL Dictionaries Differ?

Standardized and taught are the two basic purposes for having dictionaries in both ASL and ISL. There is a good-sized ASL dictionary, filled with vocab having well-established signs to most concepts and reflecting its use across North America. ISL dictionaries are bound to keep expanding since it seeks to include all regional variations, as well as expand vocabulary. Sign language dictionaries are crucial for the preservation of linguistic heritage. For ASL, more than a century of documentation and scholarly research will be available to learners. ISL dictionaries are still in a formative stage, with considerable work being done at this point to compile a standard lexicon. Dictionaries are a basic tool for literacy and accessibility within deaf communities.

Why It’s Important to Differentiate ASL and ISL

The importance of understanding the differences between ASL and ISL is to be able to have effective communication and respect cultural identities. Each language has its own experiences and heritage in its community. By understanding their differences, we can be able to help deaf individuals more and their right to a language that relates to their identity.

How Does Atypical Advantage Facilitate Communication for the Deaf and Speech-Impaired Community in India?

Organizations like Atypical Advantage play an important role in filling communication gaps in the deaf community in India. It empowers the person to communicate with society by promoting inclusiveness and providing materials to learn and use ISL. Such initiatives are quite important for equal opportunities and creating mutual understanding. Indian Sign Language Workshop not only promotes inclusiveness but is also really fun to learn. 

Atypical Advantage is India’s largest livelihood platform for Persons with Disabilities(PWD). Whether it is a singer looking for a show, a visual artist looking to sell their paintings, or job seekers with disabilities looking for career opportunities, it bridges the supply & demand side inefficiencies so that Persons with Disabilities can earn a dignified income. We have a large pool of 40,000+ talents with disabilities and have worked with 450+ corporates within a short span of 4 years. We were also featured on Shark Tank Season 2 and were declared the winner of the prestigious the National Startup Award for Social Impact, and the National Award for Best Organization empowering persons with disabilities in 2024, conferred by the Union Government.