既然语言最基本的功能是传达概念，那么美国手语在这一方面和其他的口头语言相同。

ASL is in this respect no different from spoken languages, since the principal function of language is to convey concepts.

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实际上，那种认为美国手语应当基于文字的想法显示了一种认为口头语言是现实世界的概念的唯一正规的表现方式的误解。

In effect, the expectation that ASL should be word-based indicates a misunderstanding according to which spoken language is the only legitimate way to symbolize our conception of reality.

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