American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural, complete, and complex visual language primarily used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in the United States and much of Anglophone Canada
. It is expressed through hand movements, facial expressions, and body postures, making it a visual-gestural language rather than a spoken or written one
. ASL has its own unique grammar and syntax, distinct from English, and is not a signed form of English or pantomime
. ASL originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, combining influences from French Sign Language and local sign languages
. It is widely used by hundreds of thousands of people and is recognized as the third most commonly used language in the U.S., after English and Spanish
. Key features of ASL include hand shape, palm orientation, movement, location, and non-manual signals like facial expressions and body posture, all of which contribute to meaning
. Fingerspelling is used within ASL to spell out English words, especially proper nouns and technical terms, but it is separate from the core language itself
. In summary, ASL is a fully developed, independent language that serves as a primary means of communication for many Deaf individuals in North America and beyond
. Note: ASL can also refer to an internet slang abbreviation for "age, sex, location," but in the context of language, it stands for American Sign Language
