LSF
The English abbreviation for American Sign Language (ASL) is referred to in French as LSF.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use the abbreviation ASL for American Sign Language, French speakers use the abbreviation LSF, which stands for Langue des Signes Française.
Did you know?
- French sign language influenced many other sign languages around the world, including 'ASL', because a French teacher helped establish the first school for the deaf in the United States.
- While 'ASL' stands for 'American Sign Language', the French LSF stands for 'Langue des Signes Française', meaning they are not just translations but entirely different languages with their own grammar and syntax.
- The French word signe in LSF shares the same Latin root as the English word 'signal', reflecting a shared history of visual communication.
Examples in context
- Lors de la conférence internationale sur les langues signées, nous avons pu apprécier la beauté de la Langue des Signes Américaine (ASL).During the international conference on sign languages, we were able to appreciate the beauty of American Sign Language (ASL).
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their language classes.
- HugoManon, est-ce que tu étudies la LSF ?Manon, are you studying LSF?
- ManonOui, j'adore apprendre la LSF.Yes, I love learning LSF.
- HugoC'est génial, c'est très utile.That's great, it's very useful.
- ManonJe suis d'accord avec toi, Hugo.I agree with you, Hugo.
