Sign Language
Sign Language
Sign Language (pronunciation: /sʌɪn ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/) is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign Language is used mainly by people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments.
Etymology
The term "Sign Language" comes from the fact that the communication is performed through signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body.
Related Terms
- Deaf: A term used to describe a person who has severe to profound hearing loss.
- Hearing Impairment: A term used to describe a person who has some degree of hearing loss.
- Gesture: A form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages.
- Facial Expression: One or more motions or positions of the muscles beneath the skin of the face.
- Body Language: A type of non-verbal communication in which physical behavior, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information.
Types of Sign Language
There are many different types of sign language, including American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and International Sign (IS). Each of these has its own vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face.
British Sign Language
British Sign Language (BSL) is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK), and is the first or preferred language of some deaf people in the UK.
International Sign
International Sign (IS) is an international auxiliary language used at international meetings such as the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and events such as the Deaflympics.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sign Language
- Wikipedia's article - Sign Language
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