All About Sign Languages
The UN's International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated annually on September 23, highlights the importance of early access to sign language for the development of deaf individuals and promotes the preservation of sign languages as part of cultural diversity.
This day coincides with the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951, and it forms part of the broader International Week of the Deaf.
One of the major new influences is a young lady who is deaf, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernici. In 2021 she won Strictly Come Dancing in the UK with a couples choice dance that included a section that was silent with no music, Watch for yourself here:-
https://youtu.be/QejOzrlovTQ?si=0nWl6u49Zx1kLrLT
Rose had an interpreter with her that used BSL and boosted awareness of the difficulties of her deafness worldwide.
There are numerous sign languages globally, each with unique grammar, vocabulary, and cultural significance. Some examples include:
American Sign Language (ASL): Widely used in the U.S. and parts of Canada, ASL has its own grammar and syntax, distinct from English.
British Sign Language (BSL): Used in the UK, BSL is completely different from ASL, even though both serve English-speaking countries.BSL was officially recognised as a language in the UK last year, after the British Sign Language Act was passed. It is now taught in many schools in the UK.
Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ): Predominantly used in French-speaking parts of Canada, particularly Quebec.
Maritime Sign Language: Historically used in eastern Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, though less common today.
Indigenous Sign Languages: Plains Sign Language, one example, was historically used by Indigenous communities in North America, particularly among Plains Nations.
Each of these languages reflects the diverse ways Deaf communities communicate and their rich cultural heritage. The celebration of this day emphasizes the right of Deaf individuals to use their language in all aspects of life, highlighting the broader message of "nothing about us without us" — ensuring that Deaf people are included in decisions about their language and rights.
The UN stresses the importance of integrating sign language into education and services, as only a small percentage of the global Deaf population has access to formal education in sign language. This day advocates for greater inclusion, awareness, and support for Deaf communities worldwide.
Fingerspelling tips:
Try not to look at your hands (or the other person’s) when fingerspelling
Mouth the word at the same time as spelling it – you usually say the word by the end of the fingerspelling.
Make sure your hands are in the same frame as your face i.e. chest height, so someone can read your lips and read the word you spell.
Practice fingerspelling for 5 minutes everyday to embed your muscle memory
Try to fingerspell words phonetically rather than spell out each letter.
Resources:
UN Division for Inclusive Social Development(JLP Pam) (UN Social
Wikipedia: International Day of Sign Languages(Wikipedia).
😀 I was wondering how many of us have hearing difficulties?
😁Can you sign? If so which language do you use?
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Thanks for sharing this Misty!
Something I think many of us with little exposure to sign language tend to forget (or not even know) is that sign languages are their own, complete languages. Using ASL as an example, it is not just having a sign for English words. Like you mentioned, ASL has it's own grammar, phrases, etc.
For someone who has their first language as ASL and then learns to read English, that English is a 2nd language for them.
@AffyAvo Sadly, our censor is picking up on ASL as not allowed. For anyone trying to post using that acronym you can either include a space ie. AS L or write it out (we can edit too). I will put in a request regarding the censor.
@AffyAvo Thanks for clearing that up Affy, I did wonder but forgot about the old use lol!
@MistyMagic
My kid does have hearing problems, unfortunately Makaton (simplified sign) is also not viable due to cognitive and mobility reasons.
having Makaton actually exiting goes to show how work towards including everyone has come so far.
I can’t imagine how isolating the inability to hear and speak might be. I was unaware general BSL was taught in mainstream schools. It’s really good they do, the happiness such teaching will bring those requiring sign.
You give those requiring sign a voice and simultaneously say you hear them and are listening. It should be taught around the globe even if only the basics.
@LabeledBPD I totally agree! The more visibility we can give these languages the better. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@MistyMagic Thank you for this, it was lovely. We know Sign Language in our family, we learned it for a family member and I love it so much. ❤️🤗
@Butterflymoongirl
Thanks for letting me know. Which version do you use? It seems to vary.
@MistyMagic We know American Sign Language.
@Butterflymoongirl I think it is really interesting all the different types. I am trying to learn but not very good.
@MistyMagic I think it's lovely how you are learning Sign Language, just take your time with this and you will get it and do a lovely job.
@Butterflymoongirl What is the polite way to gain someone's attention?
@MistyMagic Just ask them very nicely when you are talking together, try to have it just the two of you if you can so that others are not jumping in and just say what you need to. Take your time. I hope you will be okay soon and everything works out for you soon. ❤️🤗
