Many people assume there is only one type of sign language used in the United States. In reality, several different signing systems exist. The three most commonly discussed are American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), and Signed Exact English (SEE).
But only one of these is a true language: American Sign Language or ASL.
Understanding the differences helps hearing learners better respect Deaf language, culture, and communication preferences.
American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete natural language that developed within the Deaf community. It has its own grammar, structure, and linguistic rules that are different from English.
ASL uses facial expressions, body movement, spatial grammar, and classifiers to convey meaning. Because of this visual grammar, ASL is not simply English translated into signs.
Who Uses ASL
ASL is primarily used by:
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing people
• CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults)
• ASL interpreters
• hearing people involved in the Deaf community
Cultural Perspective
For Deaf people who use sign language, ASL is a core part of Deaf identity and culture, passed down through generations of Deaf communities. Not a “communication tool”, because that is something that exists outside of a person and ASL is very much a part of who we are.
PSE (Pidgin Signed English)
Pidgin Signed English or PSE, is historically called Contact Signing. It is a blend of ASL signs and English word order.
PSE is not a separate language. Instead, it’s more of an occurrence that happens naturally when people with different language backgrounds communicate with each other.
Who Uses PSE
PSE often appears when:
• Deaf and hearing people sign together
• Deaf people have had strong oral/hearing influences in social and educational environments
• ASL students are still learning ASL grammar
• signers from different backgrounds interact
Cultural Perspective
PSE is often viewed as a communication bridge between ASL and English. It can make conversations easier in mixed groups, but it is generally not considered a full language like ASL. Also, PSE assumes one has strong preference for English language structures which does not always convey to those more rooted in ASL.
In this video, Deaf actress Lauren Ridloff gives a great commentary relating her experience of how she varies her language based on who she is interacting with.
SEE (Signed Exact English)
Signed Exact English (SEE) is a system that was created to represent English visually using signs.
Unlike ASL, SEE attempts to show every English word and grammatical ending, including markers such as:
• -ing
• -ed
• -s
Many additional signs were created specifically to match English vocabulary and grammar.
Here’s a great example of SEE compared to ASL.
Who Uses SEE
While no longer in widespread use, historically SEE was most often used:
• in educational programs for Deaf children taught by hearing teachers
• in some speech and language therapy settings
• among hearing English-speaking families with Deaf children
Cultural Perspective
SEE did not develop within the Deaf community. It was created by hearing educators who believed representing English word-for-word would help Deaf children learn English.
Many Deaf people criticize SEE because it does not reflect how natural visual languages work and can limit access to native ASL language development. Additionally, it was created long after ASL had been in use by Deaf adults and families. It’s a good example of something that was created by hearing people for the benefit of communicating with Deaf people, but in a different language, essentially.
Understanding the Difference is Important
Learning the difference between ASL, PSE, and SEE helps avoid a common misconception: that all signing is simply English expressed with the hands.
It’s important for hearing people to know that ASL is a complete language with its own structure and cultural roots, while PSE and SEE developed for different communication or educational purposes.
Understanding these distinctions is an important step toward respecting Deaf language, history, and culture, now and in the future.
Next: Check out What is an ASL Name Sign?