Is sign language truly universal? Well, let's break it down—spoiler alert: it's not!
First of all, let me introduce myself; my name is Elisa and I am CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Both my parents are Deaf and Spanish Sign Language (LSE) is my mother tongue, then spoken and written Spanish, followed by English, with a little BSL thrown in for good measure!
As the Digital Marketing Specialist at Deaf Umbrella I plan, develop and execute the marketing campaigns online and one of my duties is to raise Deaf Awareness, not only because it is one of the main objectives of this company, but also because it is in my blood.
Throughout my life, I've been repeatedly asked if sign language is universal, and people are often quite surprised to find out that it is not. Their next question usually is, "WHY NOT?!"
Just like spoken languages, sign languages evolve in their own contexts, influenced by cultural nuances and regional variations. While gestures and basic communication principles may be universal, the intricacies of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context vary widely. This diversity enriches the tapestry of human communication, reflecting the richness of global diversity.
Please, remember; Sign languages are independent of spoken languages and follow their own paths of development.
For example, although the hearing people of Spain and Argentina (or Chile, Costa Rica, México...) share the same spoken language, the Spanish Sign language (LSE) and Argentine Sign Language (LSA) are quite different and mutually unintelligible.
Similarly, countries which use a single spoken language throughout may have two or more sign languages (Great Britain is an example of this with each part of the UK having a variation of BSL unique to itself), or an area that contains more than one spoken language, like South Africa which has 11 official spoken languages, might use only one sign language.
Sign languages evolve wherever there are Deaf people, and they show all the variation you would expect from different spoken languages. There are regional dialects and “accents” which are present in every language.
As proof, let me show you a video I filmed with my colleague Lorraine. In the clip, Lorraine signs in British Sign Language (BSL) while I sign in Spanish Sign Language (LSE). It's fascinating to see how different sign languages can be, even though they serve the same purpose. Spot the differences for yourself:
Of course we need to mention that there is an International Sign Language (IS) that is not as conventionalised or complex as natural sign languages, and has a limited lexicon.
It is used in international meetings such as the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), events such as the Deaflympics’ or informally when travelling and socialising (although from my own experience, with my parents -they don't know IS – but travel around the world with their innate ability to communicate with everybody, deaf, hearing, or in another languages... better than me; guaranteed!).
Said that, next time you're tempted to ask if sign language is universal, remember—just like there's no one "correct" way to enjoy pizza toppings, there's no universal sign language. Embrace the diversity, learn a few signs, and appreciate the colourful world of sign languages.
Discover the step-by-step guide to logging into Facebook without any hassle. Quick, easy, and secure methods for accessing your Facebook account. Click to learn more.Get solutions for common Facebook login problems. Read our comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix your login issues quickly. Click to solve your problems now. Facebook Entrar Facebook Entrar
No, sign language isn't universal! Just like spoken languages, each region has its own version. Imagine trying to book a pg in Saket using British Sign Language in Japan—it’d be like speaking French to a penguin! Every culture, every language, its own signs!
This is such an insightful and humorous take on the universality of sign language! It’s so important to highlight the diversity within sign languages, just like any spoken language. I love how you explain the nuances and variations! Also, for anyone juggling studies while diving into the world of sign language or Deaf awareness, urgent assignment help from myassignementhelp.com can be a great resource to keep everything on track!
Sign language is often misunderstood, and it’s a common misconception that there’s one universal version. In reality, sign languages vary widely, just like spoken languages. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) is different from British Sign Language (BSL), and both are unique from others. I think it’s important to recognize this to avoid confusion and show respect to the diverse deaf communities. If you want to learn more about sign language differences, there’s a wealth of information here and across various resources. Understanding these nuances can help build better connections and communication skills with people from different regions.
No, sign language is not universal! Just like spoken languages, different regions and cultures have their own versions. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) is different from British Sign Language (BSL). It’s fascinating how something non-verbal can have so much diversity. The idea of a universal sign language is a myth—imagine asking someone from the UK for directions in ASL! If only math could be as fun as learning different sign languages. For those struggling with their studies, just say "Do my math homework" to experts like MyAssignmentHelp, and make life easier!
Other Resources -
https://xequte.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=1.65&TOPIC_ID=6680#22932https://vedprep.com/cuet-ug-2023-city-intimation-slip-to-be-released/#comment-48614https://fachschaft-jura.com/index.php/forum/welcome-mat/46674-how-are-essays-graded/reply/47405https://690271.8b.io/https://cielosports.net/2024/09/20/how-do-my-assignments-for-me-can-save-you-time-during-exam-season/https://inblog.ai/alicegomez/5-reasons-why-students-opt-for-do-my-assignments-for-me-services-30036?traffic_type=internalhttps://teamscience.breezio.com/article/6701450014612686194