Final answer:
American Sign Language (ASL) is not a word-for-word translation of American English; it is a complete, unique language with its own grammar and syntax that differs from spoken or written English.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that American Sign Language is a word-for-word translation of American English is false. American Sign Language (ASL) has its own unique syntax, grammar, and structure which are different from spoken or written English. ASL is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is not a manual representation of English, but a distinct language in its own right, capable of expressing abstract ideas and a wide range of nuances. In deaf culture, ASL is a crucial component and is used for communication rather than trying to adapt to the oral spoken language.