ASL vs PSE vs SEE: Understanding the Grammar Differences

Many people assume there’s only one kind of sign language, but in the United States, three major signing systems are common: ASL (American Sign Language), PSE (Pidgin Signed English), and SEE (Signing Exact English). What makes them different is not just vocabulary, but the grammar systems that shape how signs are put together.

ASL Grammar System

  • A natural language with grammar completely separate from English.

  • Often uses topic-comment word order instead of subject-verb-object.

    • English: “I am going to the store tomorrow.”

    • ASL: “Tomorrow store I go.”

  • Facial expressions, head movement, and body language are part of the grammar.

    • Raised eyebrows = yes/no question

    • Furrowed brows = WH-question (who, what, where, why)

  • Verbs can change meaning depending on direction or movement.

    • “Give” can be signed toward a person to mean “give to you” or “give to them.”

  • Articles and “be” verbs are dropped.

    • English: “She is my teacher.”

    • ASL: “She my teacher.”

PSE Grammar System

  • A mix of ASL signs and English word order.

  • Not a true language, but a communication style used in everyday situations.

  • Word order usually follows English subject-verb-object, but smaller words are dropped.

    • English: “He is studying at the library.”

    • PSE: “He study library.”

  • Some ASL features may appear but not consistently.

  • Tenses are often simplified.

    • English: “I have been working here for five years.”

    • PSE: “I work here five year.”

SEE Grammar System

  • A system created to mirror English grammar exactly.

  • Every word is signed, including articles and word endings.

    • English: “I am going to the store.”

    • SEE: “I + am + going + to + the + store.”

  • Uses invented signs for words not found in ASL such as “is” or “the.”

  • Adds English morphemes like -ing, -ed, or -s.

    • English: “She walks home.”

    • SEE: “She + walk + -s + home.”

Why SEE Is Considered the Most Problematic

While ASL is a natural language and PSE serves as a bridge between English and sign, SEE (Signing Exact English) has long been criticized by the Deaf community. Although it was created to help Deaf children learn English, it often causes more harm than good.

  • Not a natural language — SEE is an invented system, not a living language like ASL. It forces English grammar onto signs, creating artificial signs and unnatural communication.

  • Too many unnecessary signs — SEE requires signing every single English word, including small words like “the,” “is,” or “are.” This slows down communication and makes it frustrating compared to ASL’s natural efficiency.

  • Disconnects Deaf children from culture — Growing up with SEE can prevent Deaf students from learning ASL, the true language of the Deaf community. This leaves them caught in-between: not fluent in ASL, but also struggling with English.

  • Does not improve English literacy — Studies show that SEE does not guarantee stronger English skills. Because it is not real English but only a “visual code,” many Deaf children still fall behind academically.

  • Centers hearing comfort, not Deaf needs — SEE was designed by hearing educators, not Deaf people. Its purpose was to make Deaf students “fit English,” rather than respecting ASL as their natural language.

Example Comparison:

  • English: “She is going to the store.”

  • SEE: SHE + IS + GOING + TO + THE + STORE (every word signed).

  • ASL: “She go store.” (natural, clear, and efficient).

For these reasons, many in the Deaf community consider SEE the most harmful and ineffective system. It does not empower Deaf identity the way ASL does, nor does it provide the flexibility that PSE offers in mixed settings.

Quick Comparison in Bullet Points

ASL

  • Independent grammar, visual-spatial

  • Topic-comment word order

  • Facial expressions part of grammar

  • Articles and “be” verbs omitted

  • Verbs change meaning with direction and movement

PSE

  • Blend of ASL signs and English word order

  • Mostly subject-verb-object

  • Simplifies English sentences

  • Drops small words

  • Flexible and inconsistent

SEE

  • English grammar in sign form

  • Every word signed, including “the,” “is,” and endings like -ing or -ed

  • Strict subject-verb-object structure

  • Useful in education but unnatural in casual conversation

  • Often criticized as the most harmful system

Why Grammar Differences Matter

ASL, PSE, and SEE are not the same. ASL is a full natural language of the Deaf community. PSE is a bridge between English and ASL, often used by hearing people and interpreters. SEE was designed for English literacy but often causes more harm than good. Knowing the grammar differences helps teachers, parents, and interpreters support Deaf students better and shows respect for Deaf preferences.

If you’re unsure which style someone prefers, simply ask: “Do you prefer ASL, PSE, or SEE?” That one question can make communication smoother and more inclusive.

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