Sign language is a powerful form of communication. It’s often used by those who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it can also be used as a bridge between cultures and people of different backgrounds. Whether you’re looking to teach your kids a new language, or just want to open up more possibilities for work and travel, learning sign language can be incredibly beneficial. In this article, we’ll discuss twelve good reasons why signing is the way to go from improved communication skills to better job opportunities, and how getting started with sign language today could make an impact on your future.
What is sign language?
Sign language is a visual-gestural language used by deaf people. It is their native language, and they use it to communicate with each other. It is a natural language like any spoken language, with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
There are many different sign languages in the world, just as there are many spoken languages. In the United States and Canada, the most common sign language is American sign language certification online (ASL). ASL is used by about 500,000 deaf people in the United States and about 20,000 in Canada. There are also many deaf people who use signed English systems, which are based on English but use signing instead of speaking.
Some deaf people do not use any sign language. They may communicate through lipreading or writing. Others use a mixture of signing and speaking.
The history of sign language
The history of sign language is a long and complicated one. There are many different schools of thought on how sign language began, but most experts agree that it likely originated as a way for deaf people to communicate with each other.
Some believe that sign language was first used by the ancient Greeks, while others believe it originated in China. There is evidence to support both theories. In any case, sign language has been used by deaf people for centuries, and has only recently become more mainstream.
In the past few decades, there has been a growing movement to embrace sign language as a natural and valid form of communication. This has led to increased acceptance of signing in schools and workplaces. It is now possible to get a degree in sign language interpretation, and there are interpreters available in most major cities.
The benefits of learning sign language
As more and more people are recognizing the importance of sign language, there are an increasing number of reasons to learn sign language. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with learning sign language:
- improved communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing people
- a greater understanding of the deaf culture
- a unique way to express yourself
- a challenging and rewarding way to learn a new language
- an opportunity to help others communicate
How to get started with learning sign language
If you’re interested in learning sign language, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll need to find a good resource to learn from. There are a few different options available, but we recommend Signing Savvy as a great starting point.
Once you have a resource to use, it’s time to start practicing! It can be helpful to practice with a friend or family member who is also interested in learning sign language. If you don’t know anyone else who is learning, there are still plenty of ways to practice on your own. You can watch signing videos online, practice with online quizzes or Flashcards, or even just make up your own signs for common words and phrases.
The most important thing is to just keep practicing. The more you use sign language, the better you will become at understanding and using it yourself!
ASL vs. BSL
When it comes to signing language, there are two main types: American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). While they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually some key differences between the two. Here’s a look at some of the most notable ones:
1. ASL Grammar vs. BSL Grammar
One of the biggest differences between ASL and BSL is grammar. ASL has a much more complex grammatical structure than BSL. This can make it difficult for people who are used to spoken languages to understand. However, once you get used to it, ASL can be just as expressive and powerful as any other language.
2. Different Signs for Similar Concepts
Another difference between ASL and BSL is that they often use different signs for similar concepts. This can be confusing for people who are trying to learn both languages at once. However, it also means that you can often find multiple ways to say the same thing in either language, which can be helpful when trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t know your native sign language.
3. Different Regional Variants
Just like spoken languages, sign languages also have regional variants. The most notable difference is between American and British Sign Language, but there are also other regional variations within each country. This means that someone from the United States might not understand someone from England using BSL, and vice versa. It’s important to be aware
What’s the difference between spoken and signed languages?
There are two types of language- spoken and signed. Spoken languages use mouth movements to create sounds that form words, whereas signed languages use hand gestures, body language and facial expressions to communicate.
Signed languages are often used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but anyone can learn to sign. In fact, research has shown that learning a second signed language can improve cognitive skills, even in people who don’t have any hearing loss.
There are many different signed languages used around the world, just as there are many spoken languages. Some of the most well-known signed languages include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Conclusion
Sign language is a valuable skill to have regardless of whether you are an educator, parent, or just want to learn something new. With its unique structure and ability to effectively communicate with the deaf community, sign language can open up many possibilities for you in terms of relationships and communication. We hope this article has provided some insight into what learning sign language entails and why it is such a beneficial skill to possess. So why not start learning today? You never know how far it might take you!
