Final answer:
The claim that ASL is not a legitimate language is false. ASL possesses all features of a complete language, crucial for deaf culture and recognized by the linguistic community. It serves as a primary communication method in deaf communities and is integral to their social and cultural norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that American Sign Language (ASL) is not recognized as a legitimate language is incorrect. ASL is a fully developed, natural language that conveys meaning through manual communication and body language instead of vocalization. It includes all the fundamental features that characterize a language: grammar, syntax, and the ability to express any thought, idea, or concept—comparable to the expressive power of spoken languages.
In the context of deaf culture, ASL is a cornerstone, fostering community and facilitating communication among deaf individuals. Through ASL, members of the deaf community can partake in cultural traditions, education, and social interactions, inheriting and further developing their collective identity. The language is also a testament to the human capacity for language learning, as even hearing parents are encouraged to use both sign and spoken language to provide cognitive reinforcement to their children.
Moreover, language, as a system of arbitrary symbols, is fundamental in framing our perception of reality, as presented by linguists like Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf. The assertion that ASL does not constitute a legitimate language neglects the vast body of linguistic research and the lived experiences of deaf individuals who use ASL as their primary mode of communication.