When disney movies get reexamined as an adult

Except she didn't read it in the story. Just like clicking "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions" but nobody actually reads the stupid thing. She just signs it so she may not know how to read. Myth... Plausible.

Let's not forget that Ariel was dumb enough to sign a contract that would allow her to meet the love of her life--without being able to easily communicate with him. Ariel isn't exactly the brightest character around.

In the fine print, it might define her voice as any expression of language; verbal, reactionary or written. It would explain why her hand movements are confusing and why she can't even gasp.