The Mutual Intelligibility of American and French Sign Languages

Sign languages are unique to each culture and often carry a deep historical and regional significance. Among the most notable and widely used sign languages are American Sign Language (ASL) and French Sign Language (LSF), which have a complex and fascinating relationship. Understanding the extent of their mutual intelligibility is crucial for researchers, linguists, and individuals who use these languages in their daily lives. This article will delve into the lexical similarities between ASL and LSF and shed light on the reasons behind the varying levels of mutual understanding between the two languages.

Introduction to American and French Sign Languages

Both American Sign Language (ASL) and French Sign Language (LSF) have rich histories that are deeply intertwined. ASL originated in the United States and has evolved to become one of the most widely spoken sign languages in the world. LSF, also known as Langue des Signes Fran?aise (LSF), is the sign language used in France and parts of the Francophone world. Despite their geographical and cultural differences, ASL and LSF share many commonalities due to their historical connections.

Historical Connection and Influence

The relationship between ASL and LSF can be traced back to the early 19th century when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a teacher of the deaf, sought an education for deaf children in America. He eventually founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. To achieve this, Gallaudet traveled to Europe and eventually met Laurent Clerc, a deaf teacher who had been commissioned to teach in the United States. In 1817, Clerc agreed to move to America and establish a school for the deaf in Hartford, bringing with him some elements of LSF.

Although ASL and LSF share a common source, they have diverged significantly over time. These divergences are primarily due to the unique linguistic, cultural, and educational influences that each language has experienced. Despite these divergences, studies have shown that there is approximately 60% lexical similarity between ASL and LSF. This lexical similarity provides a basis for mutual intelligibility, but it is important to understand the limitations and challenges that exist in their communication between the users of these languages.

Lexical Similarity and Mutual Intelligibility

Lexical similarity refers to the degree to which two languages share vocabulary items. In the case of ASL and LSF, there is evidence of shared vocabulary and gestures. However, the degree to which ASL speakers can understand LSF and vice versa varies depending on individual factors such as education level, familiarity with the language, and the context in which the communication takes place.

According to various studies, when ASL speakers attempt to understand LSF, they often understand approximately 40-60% of what is being signed. Similarly, LSF speakers may understand a comparable percentage of ASL. The range of understanding is influenced by several factors, including the context, the signer's proficiency, and the level of dialectal variation. For example, a signer with extensive training and experience in both languages is more likely to have higher levels of mutual intelligibility compared to individuals with limited exposure to both languages.

Challenges and Factors Influencing Mutual Intelligibility

While there is a significant degree of mutual intelligibility between ASL and LSF, several challenges exist that can affect the level of understanding. These challenges include:

Regional dialects: Both ASL and LSF have developed regional dialects due to their long histories in different regions. These regional variations can affect the level of mutual intelligibility between speakers from different areas. Sign language grammar and syntax: The grammatical differences between ASL and LSF can affect the ability of speakers to understand each other. For instance, ASL has a generalized free word order, while LSF has a more fixed word order, which can lead to confusion. Receptive knowledge vs. productive knowledge: Understanding a sign language (receptive knowledge) and being able to use it productively (productive knowledge) are two different levels of proficiency. ASL and LSF speakers may have greater receptive knowledge but less productive knowledge, leading to challenges in real-time communication.

Conclusion

The mutual intelligibility between American and French Sign Languages (ASL and LSF) is a complex issue that is influenced by a multitude of factors. While there is a significant lexical similarity between the two languages, the level of mutual intelligibility varies depending on individual and contextual factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving communication between speakers of these languages and for fostering better cross-cultural exchange.

Both ASL and LSF are unique and valuable sign languages that have their own rich histories and communities. By continuing to study and explore the relationship between these languages, we can enhance our understanding of sign language as a whole and improve the quality of communication and interaction between deaf communities around the world.