The Difference Between ASL & PSE
As quoted from listen-up.org:
American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL is used by many deaf in the United States, thus its use promotes assimilation into the Deaf Community. ASL is a visual language, and speechreading or listening skills are not needed to learn ASL fluently. Because of its visual nature, ASL is very graphic, and understanding of concepts can be promoted more easily. It has developed over time through usage by deaf individuals and is a free-flowing, natural language. ASL is a language complete in itself. It is not usually written or spoken, but can be translated, just like French or German, to English and vice versa. ASL has it's own syntax and grammar. It does count as a language credit at University level, because it is a separate language.
Pidgin Signed English(PSE) or Signed English
PSE is probably the most widely used communication modality in the United States among deaf and hearing persons who work with them. Many teachers use PSE or Signed English. The vocabulary is drawn from ASL but follows English word order. Words that do not carry information (e.g. to, the, am, etc.) are often dropped, as are the word endings of English (e.g. -ed, -s, -ment, etc.). This means that the signer can easily speak while signing, since it is possible to keep pace with spoken English. It is simpler to learn than ASL or SEE, since one does not need to include all English endings, nor does one to master the structure or idioms of ASL.
a note from me
ASL has a unique syntax while PSE follows English syntax. I have been learning PSE, using ASL vocabulary and stringing signs together in English word order. This website is designed for beginners to learn PSE, which may develop into ASL in the future.
To read the full text of the article, click the button below:
American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL is used by many deaf in the United States, thus its use promotes assimilation into the Deaf Community. ASL is a visual language, and speechreading or listening skills are not needed to learn ASL fluently. Because of its visual nature, ASL is very graphic, and understanding of concepts can be promoted more easily. It has developed over time through usage by deaf individuals and is a free-flowing, natural language. ASL is a language complete in itself. It is not usually written or spoken, but can be translated, just like French or German, to English and vice versa. ASL has it's own syntax and grammar. It does count as a language credit at University level, because it is a separate language.
Pidgin Signed English(PSE) or Signed English
PSE is probably the most widely used communication modality in the United States among deaf and hearing persons who work with them. Many teachers use PSE or Signed English. The vocabulary is drawn from ASL but follows English word order. Words that do not carry information (e.g. to, the, am, etc.) are often dropped, as are the word endings of English (e.g. -ed, -s, -ment, etc.). This means that the signer can easily speak while signing, since it is possible to keep pace with spoken English. It is simpler to learn than ASL or SEE, since one does not need to include all English endings, nor does one to master the structure or idioms of ASL.
a note from me
ASL has a unique syntax while PSE follows English syntax. I have been learning PSE, using ASL vocabulary and stringing signs together in English word order. This website is designed for beginners to learn PSE, which may develop into ASL in the future.
To read the full text of the article, click the button below:
A Quick Tutorial on Buttons
Buttons are used on this website to provide a quick link to video dictionaries for certain signs. They are intended for your convenience. Below is what a button looks like, and clicking on a button with a word on it will take you to Signing Savvy's ASL interpretation of the word.
The buttons on this website will not link to a separate page, but if users of this website prefer to have the buttons link to a new window, ask Beuschlein for the password and this can be changed.
The buttons on this website will not link to a separate page, but if users of this website prefer to have the buttons link to a new window, ask Beuschlein for the password and this can be changed.
Disclaimer
All images used on this website are taken from Google Images and they are meant to enhance the experience of using this site as an educational tool for learning American Sign Language.