American sign language is the language of the deaf community in America and English speaking countries around North America. This language involves the use of body language like hands and the reading of impressions on lips. Body and facial expressions constitute this kind of special communication. The birth of this kind of language was due to necessity. Many American families with deaf children had to employ teachers to instruct their children but, with growing need, the language is being taught in secondary and post secondary level. Family members and friends have been known to learn this kind of language to help deaf people.
American sign language was influenced so much by the sprouting of the European sign languages in the 17th century. A that time, Italy and France had developed their own sign languages. The language has evolved over the years and is fitted with its own vocabulary and grammar. It has contributed to other sign languages of the world. The language is very popular and and in fact, it is the third most used language in the U.S. It has contributed to integration and reduced barriers that might have otherwise been very large. Also, by having a need to communicate with animals, humans continue to device forms of communication; This has been inspired largely by sign language.
American sign language has also encouraged the communication with infants because, before children can speak, they speak. Not in a way that we can always understand but, by signs and body language. Encouraging a child to use this language can enhance their intellect and prepare them gradually for speech. Children who learn to express themselves this way are at an advantage compared to their counterparts who will be much slower. Sign language has further inspired contemporary art characterized with body movement that can entertain people. The thoughtful and deep moves manages to impress and provoke the emotions of the audience making the experience a wholesome one.
Such a simple thing like finger counting may not seem like a sign language but, is a less complex sign language. Even with normal speech and brain function, people found it necessary for this aid. This goes to show that we cannot live independent of sign language. Apart from creating a voice for the deaf, it has done so much and the least people can do is to recognize it. Many have been on the forefront to support its development and by it growing to such tremendous heights, shows that there has been goodwill.
Some organizations ask for donations for sign language development and one must make sure that they are legitimate. Also by floating so much information in the websites, people have become empowered and this has been a positive aspect. It is through working together that sign language will be spread to parts of the world where the need is so great. Many parents and their children have noted amazing results and written back to to thank visual language providers. It is very inexpensive to empower yourself with the tools. The language can be learned online making it very much in reach of the common man.
Muna Wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Sign Language for Years. For More Information on American Sign Language, Visit His Site at
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE Post Your Views On American Sign Language At My Blog here
American Sign Language 
