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What is ASL & Its Variations

Updated: Aug 8, 2022

There are various sign languages used in North America. The primarily recognized language of the American Deaf Community is American Sign Language (ASL). ASL holds its own grammatical and syntax rules while other sign languages such as Pidgin, CASE and MCE generally use rules derived from English grammar.


Pidgin sign language is a naturally developed sign language with no true native speakers. Conceptually Accurate Signed English, (CASE) is a form of Pidgin sign and is used as a building block and bridge between ASL and Manually Coded English (MCE). Manually Coded English (MCE) is made up of signs that are a visual code for spoken language. The main difference between ASL and MCE is that MCE follows the grammatical and syntax rules of spoken English while ASL follows its own grammatical and syntax rules. While ASL and CASE follow the same set of rules, the main difference is that CASE is used along with spoken language.


If you would like to learn more about American Sign Language, please consider purchasing Barron's American Sign Language: A Comprehensive Guide to ASL 1 and 2


If you have any questions, let me know!

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