ASL and PSE

American Sign Language & Pidgin Signed English

When two peoples live in close proximity and speak different languages, a “pidgin” sometimes evolves that combines features of both languages. There are pidgins all over the world. Creole, spoken by the masses in Haiti, is a combination of French (France governed the island for a time.) and the native language of the African slaves who were brought there years ago. Most Haitians speak Creole on a day-to-day basis.

Pidgin Sign English (PSE) combines the signs of American Sign Language (ASL) with English word order, Like the French “purists,” a number of Deaf people frown on the teaching and learning of PSE in favor strictly of ASL. Consequently, they and their Hearing supporters have caused PSE to fall into disrepute. I believe that those who hold this view have overlooked the value of teaching PSE to Hearing persons in the community-at-large. Let’s hear from some notable persons on this subject.

William C. Stokoe, the linguist who discovered that ASL is a bona fide language, has explained it this way: “The opinion of some members (He refers to the Deaf community.) its language should be ‘pure’ ASL unmixed with speech or invented signs, is strongly held; but just as strong are opposing views: that English signing, or sign-supported speech , or sim-com ought to be used especially for representing the Deaf Community to those outside it but interested…The Deaf Community needs to be aware of and be tolerant of the great differences within.” (1)

M.J. Bienvenu, a strong advocate of ASL, wrote: “We (She refers to the Deaf community.) sometimes unconsciously code-switch, which means we change our ASL to a form of signing which is influenced by English structure and meanings. Minorities in all cultures do this no matter how proud they may be of their own language. (2)

Harry Markowicz, a Deaf instructor, has said: “Learning a foreign language requires a great amount of time and interaction with people who know the language…I don’t think we can really expect many parents, or even professionals, to learn ASL. (3)

Using PSE promotes contact between Hearing and Deaf people, benefiting both communities.

(1) William Stokoe, “The Community Speaks for Itself” in Who Speaks for the Deaf Community? A Deaf American Monograph Vol 47, National Association of the Deaf, edited by Anita Farb [1997] p.57
(2) M.J.Bienvenu, “Perspectives on Deafness.” National Association of the Deaf [1991] p.24
(3) Harry Markowicz, “Unlocking the Curriculum” in Simultaneous Communication, ASL and Other Classroom Communication Modes, William Stokoe editor [1992] p.45