Variation
When looking at variations it needs to be kept in mind that different groups of people do not always sign one way and not the other, rather they prefer and use a particular form of a sign more often. Furthermore, each individual speaker has their own style of signing depending on various factors, such as where they went to school, if they were mainstreamed (see Mainstreaming (education)), who taught them ASL, at what age they learned ASL, and how active they are in the Deaf Community.
The American Sign Language used in different regions across North America reflects the oral language around them. This may include the speed of their signing and names for local places.
Read more about this topic: American Sign Language