This volume investigates the diverse ways in which American Sign Language (ASL) varies across different populations and regions. The authors, led by noted scholars Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley, and Clayton Valli, apply established techniques for analyzing spoken language variation to ASL. Their research examines phonological, lexical, morphological, and syntactic levels to demonstrate how social factors such as age, socioeconomic class, gender, ethnic background, region, and sexual orientation influence ASL usage. The study also explores internal linguistic constraints that shape variant choices in ASL, yielding significant findings.

This seminal work is recognized for its rigorous application of sociolinguistic methodologies to American Sign Language, providing a comprehensive account of ASL variation. Scholars have lauded the research for its detailed analysis across multiple linguistic levels and its clear demonstration of how social factors shape the language. The book is considered essential reading for linguists, ASL researchers, and anyone interested in the sociolinguistics of signed languages. Its findings offer significant contributions to the understanding of language diversity and its relationship with society.