7 Things You Should Know About Sign Language

Most people take communication for granted. But for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, communication is a daily struggle. In the United States, more than 466,000 people rely on sign language to communicate1but despite its importance, there are still many misconceptions about this form of communication. In this blog post, we’re debunking some of the most common myths about sign language and highlighting seven things everyone should know about this vital form of communication.

What is sign language?

Sign language is a system of communication that uses hand gestures and body language to convey meaning. It is used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with each other and with hearing people.

Sign language is a visual language, which means it is expressed through gestures and body language rather than spoken aloud. This can make it difficult for hearing people to understand. However, there are many different sign languages in use around the world, so unless you know the specific sign language being used, it can be difficult to interpret what is being communicated.

Most sign languages are based on the movement of the hands and fingers, but some also use facial expressions and body posture to convey meaning. Sign languages vary in how they are structured – some use a system of signed words, while others use a mixture of signs and spoken words.

The history of sign language

Sign language is a form of communication that uses visual cues instead of spoken words. It is a form of nonverbal communication, which means that it is not reliant on speech. Sign language is used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as by people who can hear but cannot speak. There are many different sign languages used around the world, with the most common being American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Auslan (the sign language used in Australia).

The history of sign language is long and complex. The first recorded use of sign language was by the ancient Greeks, who used hand gestures to communicate during battle. The Romans also had a form of sign language, known as tacitus annuls, which was used to communicate military orders. In the Middle Ages, signing was often seen as a way for the Devil to communicate with people, and so it was banned by the Catholic Church. This changed in 15th century Italy when Pope Leo X approved its use in religious services for the deaf.

Sign language began to be developed specifically for use by deaf people in 18th century France. The first school for the deaf was established in 1755 by Abbé de l’Épée, and he created a system of signs based on French grammar. This system became known as French Sign Language (FSL). It quickly spread to other countries and became the basis for many other sign languages.

In 1814, an American doctor named Thomas Gallaudet met a deaf French student named Laurent Clerc. Clerc agreed to come to the United States and help Gallaudet establish a school for the deaf. The school, now known as Gallaudet University, opened in 1817 and used FSL as its primary method of communication. ASL developed from FSL, with influence from other sign languages such as Irish Sign Language and Native American sign languages.

BSL also developed from FSL, but with less influence from other sign languages. BSL is used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It has undergone significant changes over time, particularly due to efforts by the British government to standardize it. Auslan is the sign language used in Australia. It is closely related to BSL, but has also been influenced by ASL.

The use of sign language has been shown to have many benefits. It allows deaf people to communicate with each other and with hearing people who know sign language. It also provides a way for deaf people to access education and employment opportunities. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on teaching sign language in schools so that all children can learn it, regardless of their hearing status.

The different types of sign language

There are many different types of sign language, with the most popular being American Sign Language (ASL). Other types of sign language include British Sign Language (BSL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

Each type of sign language has its own unique grammar and syntax, so it is important to learn the specific language if you want to be able to communicate effectively with deaf people. While there are some similarities between the various sign languages, they are not interchangeable.

If you’re interested in learning sign language, there are many resources available online and in your local community. There are also a number of interpreters who can help you communicate with deaf people in their native language.

How to learn sign language

If you’re interested in learning sign language, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to find a good resource to learn from. There are plenty of books, websites, and apps that can teach you the basics of sign language.

Once you’ve found a resource you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start practicing. A good way to practice is to find someone who already knows sign language and is willing to help you learn. You can also practice by signing back and forth with a friend or family member who is also learning.

It’s also important to remember that sign language is not a static language. It is constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep up with new signs and changes in the language. The best way to do this is to stay involved in the deaf community and participate in events and activities related to sign language.

The benefits of learning sign language

There are many benefits to learning sign language, whether you are a hearing person or a person with deafness or hearing loss. For hearing people, learning sign language can help you communicate with friends or family members who are deaf or hard of hearing. It can also be useful in professional settings, such as when you need to communicate with a co-worker who is deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, knowing sign language can help you connect with the deaf community and better understand deaf culture.

For people with deafness or hearing loss, learning sign language is essential for communication. It can also help you feel more connected to the deaf community and reduce feelings of isolation. In addition, studies have shown that babies who are exposed to sign language develop better speech and language skills than those who are not exposed to sign language.

Common misconceptions about sign language

There are many misconceptions about sign language. Some people believe that sign language is a universal language, but this is not the case. Each country has its own form of sign language, which can vary significantly from other countries’ versions.

Some people also think that sign language is only used by deaf people. However, hearing people can also use all in one American sign language bundle to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, sign language can be used by anyone, regardless of their hearing status.

Another common misconception about sign language is that it is easy to learn. While it is true that sign language has a relatively simple grammar system, it can take years to become proficient in using it. This is because signing requires the use of complex hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning.

Conclusion

There are many things to consider when learning sign language, but these seven tips are a great place to start. With a little practice, you’ll be signing like a pro in no time. And who knows, you might even find yourself teaching sign language to others one day. Do you know any other tips for learning sign language? Share them with us in the comments below!