Insights

Understanding Black American Sign Language (BASL)

Most people are unaware that American Sign Language has its own dialects. One of the most significant is Black American Sign Language (BASL). BASL developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities and schools, gradually diverging from ASL to form a distinct and vibrant language variety. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of BASL and why it matters today—both to educate and to celebrate this often overlooked linguistic and cultural identity.

A Brief History

Segregation based on race has been prominent throughout United States history. This division extended beyond educational institutions for hearing children and affected the already limited number of schools available to Deaf students. Recognizing the barriers placed on Black Deaf children, Dr. Platt Henry Skinner founded the Skinner School for the Colored Deaf, Dumb, and Blind in 1856.

The racial isolation experienced by Deaf people of color fostered a strong sense of group membership and personal identity. As Wolfram and Schilling-Estes (2006) note, “Dialects are most likely to develop where we find both physical and social separation among groups of speakers.”

As schools began to integrate, the differences in how Black and White students signed became more apparent. These variations often created communication barriers between Black students and their White teachers and peers. Over time, this shift contributed to the gradual fading of certain features of BASL, as younger generations became less connected to the distinct signing styles of their elders. In many cases, older generations of Black signers were told that their way of signing was “incorrect” compared with the predominantly White ASL used in integrated schools. Such judgments were rooted not in language, but in longstanding racism and the remnants of a “separate but equal” mindset.

BASL is neither informal nor incorrect. It is a vibrant, historically significant dialect shaped by the experiences, resilience, and cultural identity of Black Deaf communities. Recognizing BASL for what it truly is honors that legacy.

Key Linguistic Features of BASL

BASL has several distinctive features that set it apart as its own dialect. The signing space is often larger, allowing for broader and more dynamic movement. Signs may also be placed higher on the body compared to those in modern ASL. BASL tends to use two-handed signs more frequently, even in cases where ASL uses only one hand for similar concepts.

While facial expressions and body language play important roles in both ASL and BASL, BASL often incorporates more pronounced expressions and movements to emphasize meaning and enhance communication. “People who use Black ASL – I can see their – let’s say their attitude. Or their personality, their swag.” Says Wade Green, a BASL user featured in the film “Signing Black in America.”

BASL is not “slang,” nor is it an informal variation of ASL. It is a fully structured dialect shaped by the lived experiences of Black Deaf communities and preserved through generations despite the barriers created by racial segregation. Understanding BASL as a legitimate linguistic system not only honors its history but also celebrates cultural identity and expressive richness of those who use it.

Black Deaf Culture & Identity

Similar to African American English (AAE), Black American Sign Language (BASL) is a form of communication rooted in a rich cultural history. Language, race, and cultural identity are often deeply intertwined, shaped by shared experiences and social factors.

Black Deaf individuals navigate the intersection of two communities that have historically faced marginalization. In surveys of Black Deaf adults, most participants reported identifying first with the Black community, noting that their racial identity is visually perceived before they have the opportunity to communicate using sign language. Others identified with the Deaf community first, explaining that their strongest sense of belonging came through their educational experiences, family ties, and social connections within Deaf culture.

Black Deaf culture thrives through art, music, and storytelling; enriched by the linguistic nuances of BASL. Communities within this culture are built on solidarity and shared experience, shaped not only by Deaf identity but by Black identity as well. This intersection creates a powerful sense of belonging and empowerment, preserving a history rooted in both race and deafness.

For example, attending a Black church offers a distinctly rich experience, marked by its expressive cadence, movement, and spiritual energy. Black ASL interpretation brings this cultural depth to Deaf congregants, allowing them to engage fully in the rhythms, emotion, and communal connection that define the service.

Together, these expressions affirm that Black Deaf culture is not simply a combination of identities, but a cultural tradition carried forward through language, community, and the stories passed from generation to generation.

Representation and Media Visibility

Beginning in 2025, Black American Sign Language became available on select films across major streaming platforms such as HBO Max and Hulu. This milestone marks a significant step in bringing BASL into mainstream media, making the dialect available to wider audiences.

That visibility is expanding rapidly on social media as well. Nakia Smith—a Deaf interpreter, actress, and influencer—has built a dedicated following on TikTok by educating viewers about BASL and its importance within the broader Sign Language community. The Dallas-based interpreter recently made history by providing BASL interpretation for the HBO Max film Sinners, a first for the streaming service.

Other creators, including Scarlet May and Otis Jones, are using their platforms to advocate for Deaf accessibility and pushing for greater inclusivity. Social media has historically lacked awareness and inclusivity for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Influencers who are Black and Deaf, and who are committed to driving change, play an essential role in improving visibility, expanding understanding, and bringing meaningful representation.

Higher visibility is also growing in educational spaces. Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, a professor in the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, has committed to the research of Black Deaf experiences and the history of Black ASL. Preserving the stories, language, and cultural contributions of the Black Deaf community is vital; yet for generations, many of these experiences were overlooked, undocumented, or excluded. Dr. McCaskill’s work is helping to fill these gaps. She co-authored The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL and served as an associate producer on the documentary Signing Black in America, both of which shed light on often overlooked subjects.

The growing spotlight on BASL signals a shift, one that affirms the importance of linguistic diversity within the Deaf community and reminds us that true representation begins with acknowledging all voices and all signs.

Common Misconceptions to Clear Up

There are several common misconceptions about Black American Sign Language. One of the most persistent is the belief that BASL is simply the same as ASL—or worse, an incorrect or informal version of it. In reality, BASL is a distinct and fully valid dialect of ASL, just like the regional and cultural dialects found in spoken languages.

Many of these misconceptions stem from a lack of knowledge and exposure to BASL. Historically, because it developed within Black Deaf communities, for generations it was passed down primarily through Black families and community networks rather than through formal schooling. As a result, many people outside these communities are unfamiliar with its history, structure, and cultural significance.

As BASL gains visibility in mainstream media and more people gain access to education about it, there is growing hope that Black American Sign Language will no longer be viewed as a fringe dialect limited to select communities. Instead, it can take its place as a celebrated, enduring expression of culture and identity that will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Why Awareness Matters for Everyone

As of 2025, it is estimated that more than 3,000 languages around the world are endangered. Despite ongoing efforts to preserve it, Black ASL (BASL) continues to decline as fewer people use it in everyday conversation. After the integration of Deaf schools, the focus shifted almost entirely to ASL, leaving documentation of BASL—especially how it was used in its original community spaces—limited or in some cases nonexistent.

Ensuring accessible communication for everyone requires both cultural competency and accurate interpretation. As one signer explained in Signing in Black America:
“I was at an event with a White interpreter; the speaker was Black. The audience was laughing at the speaker’s jokes; I looked around and felt that I was missing something. I realized that there was a mismatch. I realized that the interpreter was not understanding how Black people tend to talk.”

Education and awareness can make all the difference in preserving this unique dialect. BASL is not only a vital part of Deaf history—it is an essential part of American history. Both Hearing and Deaf allies can play a role in ensuring that this language and its culture continue to thrive.

How to Learn More & Support

But how can we continue to educate ourselves and support BASL and the Black Deaf community? Fortunately, there are many meaningful steps that anyone can take. One of the simplest and most impactful ways is to follow Black Deaf creators and BASL users on social media. Engaging with and sharing their content not only amplifies their voices but also helps broaden awareness among your own friends, family, and followers.

You can also promote inclusivity within your own circles by advocating for more inclusive interpreter training programs and encouraging workplaces, schools, and other organizations to prioritize accessibility and cultural competency in their training and programs. Small actions like these can contribute to long-term change.

There is a growing collection of books, documentaries, and short-form videos that offer valuable insights into BASL and the Black Deaf experience.
A few recommended resources are listed below!

The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History and Structure by Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley and Joseph Hill

Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wilson by Susan Burch and Hannah Joyner

Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma

Sounds Like Home: Growing Up Black and Deaf in the South by Mary Herring Wright

Learn Black American Sign Language: A History and Complete Beginner’s Guide with Over 200 Words and Phrases by Franklin R. Jones Jr. Jr. PhD

“Signing Black in America” – BASL Documentary Film

Black American Sign Language deserves to be recognized, celebrated, and upheld as the vital part of American Sign Language that it is. As BASL gains visibility across media, classrooms, and online spaces, we all have an opportunity to learn from it and support the Black Deaf community more meaningfully. Take time to watch BASL users in action, follow Black Deaf creators, explore the work of Black Deaf scholars, and advocate for accessibility and representation within your own community.

By engaging, learning, and uplifting these voices, we help ensure that BASL’s history and cultural significance are not only preserved but fully entwined into our modern culture. Together, we can support the continued growth, recognition, and celebration of BASL for generations to come.