Which statement best describes the purpose of English sign systems?

Which statement best describes the purpose of English sign systems?

• A. Represent words or morphemes that are not in ASL.
• B. Serve as a universal language.
• C. Replace spoken English entirely.
• D. Improve memory.

Answer: (A)

English sign systems are used to visually encode the English language, showing its words and smaller meaning units (morphemes) through signs. They’re designed to reflect English vocabulary and grammar—such as affixes and function words—so learners can see how sentences are built and how meaning shifts with endings or added morphemes. This helps Deaf and hard-of-hearing students access English literacy by mapping English forms onto sign, rather than presenting a separate language with its own grammar. That’s why the best description is that these systems represent words or morphemes that aren’t captured by ASL alone. They’re not meant to be a universal language, they don’t aim to replace spoken English entirely, and while memory can improve with clarity, that isn’t their primary purpose.

English sign systems are used to visually encode the English language, showing its words and smaller meaning units (morphemes) through signs. They’re designed to reflect English vocabulary and grammar—such as affixes and function words—so learners can see how sentences are built and how meaning shifts with endings or added morphemes. This helps Deaf and hard-of-hearing students access English literacy by mapping English forms onto sign, rather than presenting a separate language with its own grammar.

That’s why the best description is that these systems represent words or morphemes that aren’t captured by ASL alone. They’re not meant to be a universal language, they don’t aim to replace spoken English entirely, and while memory can improve with clarity, that isn’t their primary purpose.