Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Home » American Sign Language

American Sign Language

Learn a second language that originated over 200 years ago. Recognized as a legitimate language with a unique grammar, syntax, vocabulary and classifiers, American Sign Language (ASL) is used by about a million Canadians and Americans.

You will learn the linguistic fundamentals of ASL and how to use it as your second language in socio-cultural context. Our courses cover the culture, history and perspectives on the language and the ASL community in Canada. Explore how this community integrates into broader Canadian society and the socio-cultural values of the ASL community.

Whether you are studying ASL as a new language or improving your existing skills, you will develop the expertise and mindset using ASL in different academic and professional contexts.

Quick Links

two women in conversation at desk
Academic Advising
one student helping another
Multimedia Language Centre

Courses

Description: American Sign Language (ASL) is a language with its own linguistic attributes and roots in the deaf community. Activities focus on using hands, face and other body parts to represent lexical and grammatical aspects of ASL, and on comprehension skills in elementary ASL-based conversation.

Language of Instruction: English/American Sign Language.

Description: Activities include lessons on ASL II vocabulary, advanced sentence structures, manual and non-manual grammar, conversation strategies, development of viewing and signing skills and familiarization with genres of ASL literature. By year end, students will be able to discuss basic information in ASL.

Prerequisite: AP/ASL 1000 6.00 or equivalent, or permission of the Instructor.

Language of Instruction: English/American Sign Language.

Description: This course includes eight instructional units. Each unit focuses on different language skills. Some of the units focus on building narrative skills, moving from an informal to a more formal presentation. Others focus on developing conversational skills used in everyday discussion. Several units focus on developing the language skills needed to explain ideas, or concepts; or how things work and why things are the way they are. Some of these units also help develop skills in translating written text into ASL.

Prerequisite: AP/ASL 2000 6.00, or permission of the Instructor.

Language of Instruction: English/American Sign Language.

Questions?

Contact lapsdlll@yorku.ca for help with academic and administrative questions.