What are the nine linguistic components of ASL?

The nine linguistic components of American Sign Language (ASL) encompass essential elements that contribute to its unique structure and meaning. The correct answer identifies "tense, parameters, grammar, and handshape," highlighting critical aspects of ASL linguistics.

Tense refers to how time is conveyed in ASL, which can differ from spoken languages. Parameters include the foundational aspects of signs such as handshape, location, movement, palm orientation, and facial expressions. These parameters are crucial because they fundamentally shape the way signs are formed and understood. Grammar in ASL involves how signs are structured to create meaningful sentences, which can differ significantly from English grammar rules. Handshape specifically refers to the configuration of the hand in forming signs, which plays an integral role in distinguishing one sign from another.

By focusing on these components, one gains a deeper understanding of ASL’s complexity and richness as a language, separate from English yet equally expressive. The other choices do not encompass the full linguistic components relevant to ASL. While they may touch on aspects of communication, they do not comprehensively describe the linguistic structure essential to ASL as the correct answer does.