While some Deaf people can read lips and talk, their main way of communication is through Sign Language. It a visual language that uses specific hand motions, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate. Just doing the signs isn't considered proper ASL. Facial expression and body language are crucial to the language because it is their way of changing their voice to fit their current emotions in a conversation.

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An important rule when it comes to communicating in ASL, or any other form of Sign Language, is maintaining eye contact. This can be uncomfortable for hearing people because there is typically very little eye contact made in everyday conversations, but in Deaf culture, broken/lack of eye contact means one is uninterested and it is considered rude. 

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Like any other language, ASL has its own form of grammar. To learn more click the link --> 

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Now it's time to learn the basic signs of American Sign Language!

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