Final answer:
ASL offers nuanced and emotionally expressive communication, providing benefits to both the deaf and hearing communities. It maintains deaf culture and offers a more intimate connection than speech. The development of language is a significant biological advantage for humans, and nonverbal forms like sign language and music allow for deep experiences of communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
American Sign Language (ASL) is of great value to the deaf, but could also be a great benefit to the hearing as well. It is superior to spoken language in its nuance and emotional expressiveness. It brings people into a much closer and more intimate connection than mere speech can possibly do. Deaf culture values the preservation of sign language, which is a visual form of communication with no verbal component, over methods like speech and lip-reading. This form of communication is often seen as essential in maintaining the culture and traditions of the deaf community.
The ecological importance of language and culture in human evolution highlights the unique biological advantages provided by the ability to use and invent symbolic language. The rapid development of language skills in humans shows its major biological benefits. Furthermore, the emotional intelligence associated with understanding and expressing oneself through sign language indicates a depth of communication surpassing spoken language alone.
Poetry and music, as exemplified by deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie, suggest that the experience of language and communication is multifaceted and isn't limited to auditory processes. Nonverbal communication, like music and sign language, can offer meaningful and profound experiences of connection and understanding.