The Anatomy and Physiology of Signed Language Articulation

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) receive extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the oral speech and swallowing mechanisms. However, SLPs who serve individuals using a signed language like American Sign Language (ASL) may struggle to apply their training to appropriately assess and treat signed language productions in such students. Similarly, signed language specialists often lack foundational clinical knowledge to work effectively in the context of signed production. This article provides a detailed anatomical exploration of the primary sign language articulators, highlighting parallels between oral and manual articulators. SLPs learn in graduate school which speech sounds typically emerge at what ages and how to support the development of delayed sounds. This article draws similar connections between the anatomy and physiology of manual articulators and the typical emergence of manual phonemes by specific ages. Distinguishing whether a sign production error stems from phonological issues or motor planning difficulties can be challenging. Heuristics for making this distinction are discussed in relation to the motor skills chart, a tool designed to help clinicians identify the source of sign production errors. Finally, the article examines various phonological processes observed in signed languages and how this information can inform clinical practice.