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ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • How can a language express grammar visually?
  • Why are ASL and British Sign Language different languages?

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

Language

Why does speech need an alphabet beyond ordinary spelling?

The same written letter can suggest different sounds in different languages. The International Phonetic Alphabet offers a shared notation for describing speech sounds, including how and where the mouth produces them.

3–5 min

Why does speech need an alphabet beyond ordinary spelling?

Language3–5 minThe same written letter can suggest different sounds in different languages. The International Phonetic Alphabet offers a shared notation for describing speech sounds, including how and where the mouth produces them.

ASL has its own grammar | Speech Topic | speaking.app