ASL and Muscle memory - different learning?

[LynzM]

I was just wondering if anyone out there has heard/read anything about the difference in language learning between ASL and 'traditional' spoken/written languages, due to the associated muscle memory component of the learning? I got to thinking about that this morning during a conversation with someone at work, and I'm curious... anyone know of any research?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. I don't know of any research, but I'm a good foreign language learner,

and I had trouble with ASL when I took an introductory course over twenty years ago. I could remember the signs all right, but I couldn't understand them when someone else did them.

[LynzM]

2. Interesting...

My best friend in middle school was deaf, so I learned quite a bit of sign then, but have since forgotten a lot of it. In discussing this with other friends, one pointed out that there is a muscle memory to spoken words, as well (tongue, lips, etc.), just that it's less pronounced. Not sure if what I'm asking is really even a valid question, but it might make for some interesting digging around on the internets :)