During the last decade, the study of American Sign Language (ASL) as a second language has become enormously popular. More and more schools and universities recognize the important role that ASL can play in foreign language education. This monograph provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and structure of ASL, to the Deaf community and the culture of the Deaf people, to the methods of teaching ASL as a second language, and to the many issues facing the field of ASL instruction. Extensive information is offered to help the ASL student understand the language in its cultural context and to help ASL educators and program administrators design an appropriate plan of instruction for ASL as a second language. (VWL)