Hands That Speak: Fascinating Statistics About American Sign Language

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When people think about language, they often picture words spoken aloud—syllables shaped by the tongue and carried on air. But for millions of people around the world, communication flows not through the mouth but through the hands, face, and body. American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most expressive and visually rich languages in use today—and it's not just for the Deaf community.

Let’s dive into some surprising and enlightening statistics that reveal the reach, power, and cultural depth of ASL.

ASL Is a Fully Developed Language

ASL isn’t just “English on the hands.” It’s a complete, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and rules.

• ASL was formally recognized as a language in the 1960s, thanks to the pioneering work of linguist William Stokoe.

• Linguists classify ASL as a "visual-spatial" language, which means it conveys meaning through hand shapes, movement, facial expressions, and body posture—not just words.

 How Many People Use ASL?

• Estimates vary, but between 500,000 and 2 million people in the U.S. use ASL as their primary language.

• ASL is the third most studied language in U.S. colleges and universities, after Spanish and French (Modern Language Association).

• From 2013 to 2016, ASL enrollment grew by over 19%, a sign of rising public interest in sign language.

ASL in Education

• Over 100 U.S. colleges and universities accept ASL to fulfill foreign language requirements.

• More high schools across the country now offer ASL, introducing students early to inclusive and accessible communication.

ASL’s Global Influence

• While ASL is used mainly in the U.S. and parts of Canada, its influence stretches to the Philippines, Kenya, and West Africa through Deaf education initiatives.

• Important note: ASL is not a universal sign language. Different countries have their own, such as BSL (British Sign Language) and LSF (French Sign Language).

ASL in the Workforce

• Fluency in ASL opens career doors in education, healthcare, interpreting, social work, and public service.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% job growth for interpreters and translators by 2029—well above average.

ASL in Pop Culture

• The 2022 Oscar-winning film CODA introduced millions to Deaf culture and ASL.

• Deaf celebrities like Nyle DiMarco and Marlee Matlin have increased visibility and representation in media.

• ASL influencers on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are bringing sign language to younger audiences around the world.

Why ASL Matters

ASL is more than a method of communication—it's a powerful expression of identity, community, and culture. Whether you're learning for personal, academic, or professional reasons, you’re joining a movement toward accessibility and inclusion.

One sign can lead to a whole new world.

FAQ

Is ASL the same as English?

No. ASL has its own grammar and sentence structure. It's a completely separate language from English.

Is ASL only used in the U.S.?

ASL is mainly used in the U.S. and parts of Canada, but it also influences sign languages in other countries. However, it’s not used globally—every country typically has its own sign language.

Is ASL considered a foreign language?

Yes, in many educational institutions ASL fulfills foreign language requirements, even though it's native to the U.S., because it's linguistically distinct from English.