What are the components of the Level of the Linguistic System in ASL?

• A. Phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
• B. Semantics and pragmatics only
• C. Phonology and syntax
• D. Morphology, syntax, semantics

Answer: (A)

In ASL, the Level of the Linguistic System includes five interrelated parts: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Phonology covers how signs are built from distinct parameters—handshape, location, movement, and orientation—plus facial expressions and other non-manual cues that function as part of the sign’s structure. Morphology looks at how signs can be modified or combined to convey additional meaning, such as derivational changes or indicating number or aspect through modification. Syntax is about the order of signs and how their arrangement communicates grammatical relationships, with non-manual signals often helping show questions, negation, or emphasis and guiding topic-comment structure. Semantics concerns the meaning of signs and sentences—the concepts conveyed and how sign choices map to those concepts, noting that iconicity can influence interpretation but does not replace linguistic meaning. Pragmatics focuses on language use in real communication—the social context, purpose, and how space and referents are managed to shape discourse. All five levels work together to describe how ASL communicates meaning.