Sign Language Basics

Definition and Purpose

• Sign language is a visual language that uses handshapes, facial expressions, and body language to communicate.
• It is used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as by those who interact with them.

Types of Sign Language

• American Sign Language (ASL): used in the United States and parts of Canada
• British Sign Language (BSL): used in the United Kingdom
• Australian Sign Language (Auslan): used in Australia
• Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ): used in Quebec, Canada
• Other sign languages: unique to each country or region

Characteristics

• Iconicity: signs often resemble the object or action they represent
• Non-manual markers: facial expressions, head movements, and body language that convey meaning
• Spatial relationships: signs are arranged in space to convey relationships between objects
• Grammar: sign languages have their own grammar rules, different from spoken languages

History

• Early forms: gestures and pantomime used by ancient civilizations
• 18th century: Charles-Michel de l'Épée developed a system of sign language in France
• 19th century: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet introduced ASL to the United States
• 20th century: sign language recognition and standardization efforts

Importance and Benefits

• Accessibility: enables communication between deaf and hearing individuals
• Cultural significance: preserves deaf culture and identity
• Cognitive benefits: enhances cognitive development in children
• Inclusivity: promotes equality and social inclusion

Definition and Purpose

• Sign language is a visual language that uses handshapes, facial expressions, and body language to communicate.
• It is used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as by those who interact with them.

Types of Sign Language

• American Sign Language (ASL) is used in the United States and parts of Canada.
• British Sign Language (BSL) is used in the United Kingdom.
• Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is used in Australia.
• Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) is used in Quebec, Canada.
• Each country or region has its unique sign language.

Characteristics

• Iconicity: signs often resemble the object or action they represent.
• Non-manual markers: facial expressions, head movements, and body language convey meaning.
• Spatial relationships: signs are arranged in space to convey relationships between objects.
• Sign languages have their own grammar rules, different from spoken languages.

History

• Ancient civilizations used gestures and pantomime.
• Charles-Michel de l'Épée developed a system of sign language in France in the 18th century.
• Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet introduced ASL to the United States in the 19th century.
• The 20th century saw sign language recognition and standardization efforts.

Importance and Benefits

• Sign language enables communication between deaf and hearing individuals, promoting accessibility.
• It preserves deaf culture and identity, holding cultural significance.
• Sign language enhances cognitive development in children.
• It promotes equality and social inclusion by being inclusive.