Was is the difference between Signing Exact English and American Sign Language?

Answer 1

Signing Exact English (SEE) is very different than American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a language all of its own. It has its own grammar, its own syntax. It has everything that is required of a language in its own rights. SEE is not a language by itself. It is a code based on English. ASL is based on concepts not on words, while SEE is based on the English word or word part.

For example:

English spoken sentence: I am going to go to the store.

Signed Exact English: I + am + go + ing + to + the + store.

American Sign Language: Store + go + me

In the above sentence the ASL user decides what is important...store. What about the store? go. Who goes? me (I am me are the same person thus there is no differentiation). The words/suffix am, ing, to and the carry no meaning thus they are dropped.

Answer 2

Signing Exact English (SEE) is a sign system based on English grammar and vocabulary, used to support literacy for deaf individuals. American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language with its own distinct grammar and syntax, used predominantly by the Deaf community in the United States. SEE signs aim to be more precise and visually represent English language, whereas ASL signs communicate concepts and ideas more fluidly.