Sign Language: A Powerful Voice

The first language up for examination in this journey of exploration is sign language. Although sign differs from other languages in obvious ways, its importance as a world language is significant.

The structure and rules of sign are quite different from that of spoken language and differ from country to country. However, just as spoken language is not universal, neither is sign. The gestures upon which it is based as well as the methods employed to increase understanding, (such as mouthing words or fingerspelling), vary by area.

Additionally, sign is constantly evolving. Inefficient or outdated signs are being replaced by newer ones. And, “local signs” you would only see in a particular area are constantly being developed. Thus, although different in significant ways from other world languages, sign language is nevertheless a powerful voice.

Much of my material was taken from a PowerPoint that can be seen in html here: http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:93P8IGLPz3AJ:www.deafed.net/PublishedDocs/Comparison%2520of%2520ASL.ppt+sign+language+world+wide&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us