Introduction

How do individuals for whom American Sign Language (ASL) is their first language think and process information? This article explores the unique cognitive processes of Deaf individuals and how their primary use of ASL influences their thinking and comprehension. Whether they interpret information through signs or other visual mediums, the Deaf community offers valuable insights into the diverse ways humans process and convey information.

Thinking in ASL: A Unique Cognitive Journey

I hesitated to answer this question because ASL is my second language, yet I have been an ASL interpreter for 25 years. My love for the language and its use in daily life have allowed me to learn new things and think in a different way. ASL is not just a set of signs; it is a rich language with its own syntax, semantics, and nuances, which can influence how one thinks and comprehends information.

Visualizing Information through ASL

ASL users often think in both ASL and English, automatically translating between the two. Sometimes, my hands can convey thoughts that I struggle to put into words. Once I find the right words, I realize that my hands were already moving according to my thoughts. I frequently sign to myself, perhaps more often than I talk to myself, and I occasionally sign while speaking, which engages my students in taking ASL courses when I teach English.

Thinking beyond Language: Concepts, Words, Pictures, and Movies

Thinking in ASL is more about ideas, words, pictures, and movies. It is like when you read a text and your awareness of the letters and words fades, focusing instead on the content. For many Deaf individuals, this understanding is akin to how they think through ASL. The visual aspect of ASL, with its use of gestures and facial expressions, can help visualize and comprehend abstract concepts more effectively.

Lauren Ridloff, a Deaf actress and former teacher, presented her perspective at an event called “The Power of ASL” at The Rubin Museum. Ridloff described how she thinks and processes information, emphasizing the importance of visual understanding and movement (signing) in the Deaf cognitive process. This approach to thinking is not linear like the English language, which can sometimes make certain ideas easier to express in ASL.

Examples from the Deaf Community

The question about how a person born deaf thinks is often asked, and there are various perspectives. Some Deaf individuals think in signs, seeing themselves signing, a parent signing, or a blank figure in diagrams. These visual aids can be crucial in processing and understanding complex information. Michele Westfall and Rebecca Wilova provide insightful answers that highlight the unique cognitive processes of Deaf individuals.

Conclusion

ASL, as a first language, significantly influences the way Deaf individuals think and process information. The visual and spatial nature of ASL provides a unique perspective on the world, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of concepts and ideas. Whether through signing or other visual means, the Deaf community offers a rich tapestry of cognitive processes that enrich our understanding of human communication and thought.