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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.

Language

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

A 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.

3–5 min

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

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

A shared alphabet for speech sounds

English spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation: 'ough' sounds different in though, through, and rough. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) provides standardized symbols for representing and comparing speech sounds. Additional marks can show finer detail, so transcription involves choices about how much to record.

3–5 min

A shared alphabet for speech sounds

Language3–5 minEnglish spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation: 'ough' sounds different in though, through, and rough. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) provides standardized symbols for representing and comparing speech sounds. Additional marks can show finer detail, so transcription involves choices about how much to record.

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