Are British Sign Language and American Sign Language Mutually Intelligible?
British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) are two distinctly unique sign languages used in the English-speaking world, yet they are not mutually intelligible. While both share a common linguistic heritage and are used for communication among deaf communities, their grammar, vocabulary, and syntax diverge significantly. This article explores the key differences between BSL and ASL and highlights the challenges in mutual comprehension.
Key Differences Between BSL and ASL
Origins: BSL traces its roots back to the sign languages used in the United Kingdom, showing influences from local dialects and regional variations. In contrast, ASL has evolved from French Sign Language, bearing its unique development and traits. This marked difference in origin contributes to the distinct nature of these sign languages.
Signs: Many signs in BSL and ASL differ significantly. For instance, the sign for common concepts, numbers, and everyday activities can look entirely different. This divergence in visual and symbolic representations highlights the unique systems each language has developed.
Grammar and Syntax Differences
Grammar Structures: The grammatical structures of BSL and ASL are fundamentally different. ASL follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, similar to many spoken languages. In contrast, BSL uses a topic-comment structure, among other variations. This structural difference further complicates mutual comprehension.
Regional Variations and Dialects
Regional Variations: Like spoken languages, sign languages also exhibit dialects and regional variations. Both BSL and ASL have distinct regional forms that contribute to their distinctiveness. These variations can create additional barriers to mutual understanding between users of the two languages.
Challenges in Mutual Comprehension
Beyond the intrinsic differences in grammar and vocabulary, the challenge of mutual comprehension is further compounded by the fact that not many people who use BSL or ASL have formal exposure to the other. This lack of prior exposure or learning means that a BSL user would likely struggle to understand ASL, and vice versa.
However, there are instances where deaf individuals who are part of the deaf culture can communicate across these language boundaries. This often occurs in situations where cultural fluency and context are well understood, and where the communicators have a shared understanding of the cultural nuances.
Despite these challenges, some common gestures and sign patterns may exist between the two languages, especially in the alphabet systems. The ASL alphabet usually involves a single hand making shapes that resemble the letter in question. In contrast, the BSL alphabet involves pointing to various parts of the hand to represent individual letters. While there might be some overlap in these basic sign systems, the overall language structure and meaning are vastly different.
In conclusion, while BSL and ASL share a historical connection and some basic sign patterns, they are not mutually intelligible languages. The differences in grammar, syntax, and regional variations make clear communication between BSL and ASL users a complex task. However, the cross-cultural communication within deaf communities and the presence of shared sign patterns suggest that some level of understanding and adaptation is possible with the right context and exposure.