ASL Lessons | Bookstore | Library | ASL University Main ►
Mouthing in ASL:
The question of "Does ASL use mouthing?" is really is only a question in the minds of people who haven't done at least one of the following two things:
1. Lived in the Deaf community.
2. Watched a lot of videos by typical Deaf signers.
If you've done either of those two things, the idea that "mouthing is something that doesn't happen in ASL" -- is ridiculous.
However, the type of mouthing being done by native and near-native signers is as complex and highly developed as the most challenging of nuances in other languages.
For example some voiced languages roll the "R's." Some make extensive use of tone. Some languages use clicks of the tongue. "The Juǀʼhoan language has 48 click consonants among nearly as many non-click consonants, strident and pharyngealized vowels, and four tones. The ǃXóõ and ǂHõã languages are even more complex." (Khosian, 2019)
A problem arises when beginning level signers start indiscriminately and naively mouthing English while attempting to do American Sign Language. Imagine if beginner in a spoken language were to start indiscriminately clicking their tongue while attempting to speak Juǀʼhoan?
The real solution isn't to tell either beginner to "stop" their mouthing or clicking.
The real solution is to invest thousands of hours becoming fluent in the language.
Instructors of ASL are in an impossible, no-win situation in regard to mouthing. We know mouthing happens in the real world. Yet we do not have the time nor the resources to adequately "teach" a skill that takes thousands of hours to learn and for which the curricula (learning tools) are in a state of infancy (enough for a workshop or two but not enough to make a dent in accomplishing the task).
There is no quick and easy "one-size-fits-all" rule (such as "stop mouthing") that will magically turn a beginner into an advanced signer who knows the 5,000 situations when you should mouth and the 5,000 situations when you shouldn't mouth. You literally need to learn all 10,000 situations.* This investment of time and effort can be expedited (but not replaced) by concentrated study and skilled instruction. Since each situation hasn't been carefully documented and turned into a "lesson in a curriculum" the only avenue forward (at this time) is massive exposure to and engagement with the target language.
_______________________
Notes:
* Obviously the 10,000 number is made up but the reality is there is a huge number of such situations and the closer you come to that number the more native-like your signing becomes.
Definition: expedite
1. make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly. (Source: Oxford)
Reference:
Khoisan (2019) "Khoisan languages," Wikipedia, retrieved 11/1/19 from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khoisan_languages )
The process of switching between mouthing and using nonmanual markers (NMMs) while signing fluent ASL is so common that it could be considered "conventional."
Conventions can be considered types of "rules." When applied to language conventions could be considered "grammar."
The whole realm of "conventional ASL mouthing" of "some" words and switching to NMMs and back again -- is the vast unexplored, hidden planet of ASL linguistics. It will likely remain so until AI gets smart enough to track mouthing while signing and build databases that show confidence levels stating which signs traditionally appear with mouthing and which ones "don't" -- based on statistical analysis.
Imagine a dictionary that confidently adds a statement to entries along the lines of: "Approximately 85% of the time this sign, when used to mean 'permanent' uses a mouth movement that looks as if you are saying the word 'permanent.'"
Mouthing during signing seems to be a constantly reappearing question from ASL as a second language learners.
Perhaps we can speed up your understanding of the topic.
I encourage you to simply see with your own eyes what is happening in regard to mouthing.
Watch this short video of Bobbie Beth Scoggins who is a prominent Deaf leader and advocate who has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Association of the Deaf. (2024)
I'll paste a link to the video and then below that I'm going to paste a list of her accolades and qualifications because I want ZERO doubt regarding whether or not this is a skilled native-level Deaf ASL signer who is respected in the Deaf Community.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VYsDAOKAORc
Bobbie Beth Scoggins
Professional Experience:
Served as Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from 1993 to 2007.
Worked as Chief Operating Officer at Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD) until 2012.
Most recently retired as Director of the Statewide Outreach Center at the Texas School for the Deaf.
Leadership Roles:
Served as President of the USA Deaf Sports Federation from 1998 to 2005.
Was President of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) from 2006 to 2012.
Education:
Graduated from the Texas School for the Deaf.
Attended Gallaudet University.
Earned bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Received a Doctor of Education degree in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University in 1992.
Awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Gallaudet University in 2016.
Other Achievements:
Performed as a young adult with the National Theatre of the Deaf and other regional theater productions.
Recently recognized for her leadership and service by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).
Current Role:
Appointed as Interim CEO of the NAD, starting June 3, 2024.
Will lead day-to-day operations and support the Board in their search for a permanent CEO.
(Source: https://www.nad.org/2024/06/05/bobbie-beth-scoggins-returns-to-the-nad-as-interim-ceo/)
----------------
When you watch what video you will notice she mouths!
It is not exaggerated, egregious, or annoying. It is simply understated, casual, and occurs about 2/3 of the time. Now, pay particular attention to the point in the video after she mentions her Harley-Davidson motorcycle and planning to tour up north with her __________. She does a sign that is sometimes glossed as match, combine, roommate, and / or similar concepts but if you read her lips you will note that she mouths "partner." Earlier in the video she uses the sign "enter, enter" but if you watch her mouth she mouths "access."
The creation of very specific meanings such as "partner" and "access" literally requires mouthing -- unless you plan on fingerspelling such concepts.
She is NOT voicing. She is using fluent / native-level ASL sign with typical mouthing to communicate a message to Deaf people all over the United States and elsewhere.
If someone tells you that you should not be doing "any" mouthing -- that person is prescribing an approach that is not reflective of how a significant number of native adult Deaf fluent signers actually communicate with each other in real life. In real life it is very common to see skilled Deaf signers mouthing. Not necessarily every Deaf person. Not every word, not out loud, not exaggerated, but definitely it is happening much of the time and by many Deaf signers.
The types of mouthing commonly used by native/fluent ASL signers:
1. English-influenced mouthing:
- Full or partial mouthing of English words that correspond to the intended meaning of multiple meaning signs
- Often reduced or abbreviated versions of the English word
- More common with nouns and key content words
- May be used for clarity or emphasis
2. ASL mouth morphemes:
- Non-English mouth movements that are part of ASL grammar
- Examples include:
- "pow" for sudden or intense actions
- "th" for carelessness or lack of attention
- "mm" for regularity or normalcy
- "pah" for finally achieving something
- "cha" for large size
and others
3. Adverbial mouth movements:
- Modify verbs and adjectives
- Show manner, intensity, or size
- Examples:
- Puffed cheeks for large size
- Tight lips for precision/intensity
- Loose lips for relaxed/casual actions
4. Natural facial expressions:
- Emotional expressions that complement the signs
- Not technically "mouthing" but part of overall facial grammar
- Essential for grammatical meaning
It's important to note that native signers typically use these features unconsciously and naturally, and the amount and type of mouthing can vary based on:
- The signing context
- The formality of the situation
- Regional/dialectal differences
- Individual signing style
Such mouthing is not the same as "voicing while signing." Talking and signing at the same time is an approach that is called "simcom." That is short for simultaneous communication. Simcom is not ASL. It is basically sign supported speech. The problem with simcom is that often the visual language suffers omissions and errors. The Hearing people in the audience think it is fine but many of the Deaf (the actual DEAF not the hard of hearing ones) are getting a cloudy, error-filled version of the message.
Attempting to voice every word of a signed message precludes the use of adverbial mouth movements and common ASL mouth morphemes. Simcom has its uses and a role in mixed audience environments. It is a communication approach that has pros and cons. I encourage people to not vilify simcom. It is a tool in the communication toolbox of many families that have a Deaf member. Just keep in mind that if over-used or "abused" -- simcom can function as a crutch to the benefit and comfort of those who can hear or partially hear -- while further marginalizing those who actually need clear, full, visual language communication.
Also see: Mouthing, (advanced discussion)
* Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!)
* Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."
* Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU)
* Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars