American Sign Language---query

[James Smith]

This discussion revives a question I've had for a
number of years.  Why is it called American Sign
Language - why is it tied to American culture and
language?  It seems to me a true sign language would
transcend cultural boundaries and be independent of
spoken or written language.  Can ASL be used to
communicate in other lands, even other English
speaking lands, or does each country or culture "X"
have its own "X"SL?


James D. SMITH                 |If history teaches anything
South SLC, UT                  |it is that we will be sued
jsmithjamessmith at yahoo.com     |whether we act quickly and decisively
                               |or slowly and cautiously.



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