This document discusses the differences between social ASL and academic ASL. Social ASL is used in informal environments like with family and friends, while academic ASL is used in more professional settings like colleges and workplaces. It questions whether academic ASL is better and discusses how children use ASL. It also asks about the differences between ASL and PSE (Pidgin Signed English) and notes that just as people don't talk to their boss the same way they talk to their mom, they shouldn't necessarily sign the same in all situations. It provides citations for further research on the topic.

2. Social ASL
Used in more “social” environments –
with family,friends, story telling, etc.
Academic ASL
Used in more “professional” environments
– College,Work, Hospitals, etc.

3. Is Academic ASL better!?
What about kids?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIoFpxAo93U
Only view: (00:35 – 2:56)
Please excuse the term “HOH” – this was a preprinted graph!

4. Wait…
ASL or PSE?

5. Do you talk to your mom like
you talk to your boss?
Than why would you sign the
same?!

6. Sources and Citations
Jones, G., Stifter, R., & Wifi, B. (2011, January 27). Deaf
Progressivism. Retrieved November 22, 2014, from
http://deafprogressivism.blogspot.com/2011/01/technology-in-aslenglish-
bilingual.html
Wingfield, B. (n.d.). The Benefits of Academic ASL for All Deaf
Children - ASL Creativity Center. Retrieved October 26, 2014, from
https://sites.google.com/site/aslcreativitycenter/my-reading-list
Harris, R. (2011, February 18). ASL in Academics Series. Retrieved
October 26, 2014, from
http://www.gallaudet.edu/office_of_bilingual_teaching_and_learning/a
cademic_asl/asl_in_academics.html
Cummins, J. (n.d.). The Relationship between American Sign
Language Proficiency and English Academic Development: A Review
of the Research [1].