What is ASL, PSE or SEE?
ASL stands for American Sign Language, PSE stands for Pidgin Signed English and SEE stands for Signed Exact English. ASL is a distinct language with a different syntax and grammar than English. Those who are culturally deaf and/or raised with sign language tend to use ASL. English is their second language. Other deaf may feel more comfortable using PSE or SEE. SEE is not a separate language; it is English (word order) expressed through signs. PSE is a cross between ASL and SEE. When a deaf student makes an interpreter request, determine which mode of communication they prefer and if they have any interpreters they do not want you to contact. On rare occasions, you may also have a deaf student who requests oral interpreting and needs an interpreter who can mouth the words clearly without signing.
