The field of American Sign Language (ASL) linguistics has been shaped by the contributions of numerous researchers from diverse backgrounds, including linguists, deaf educators, and members of the Deaf community. Early research often focused on documenting ASL’s structure, demonstrating its legitimacy as a natural language distinct from English. More recent scholarship explores various facets of ASL, such as its phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, as well as the cognitive processes involved in its acquisition and use.
Understanding the historical development of ASL linguistics is crucial for appreciating the richness and complexity of the language. Documentation and analysis of ASL structure have played a vital role in dispelling misconceptions about signed languages and promoting recognition of ASL as a fully developed language with its own unique grammatical system. This recognition has been essential in advocating for the rights of Deaf individuals to language access and education in ASL.
