Say a deaf person from Mexico and a deaf person from Russia meet at JFK International Airport, but neither can read or write in the other language - would they be able to communicate using Sign Language?
Absolutely not. There are hundreds of different sign languages being used in different parts of the world today. Some are officially recognized, and some are not. While they are not dependent on the oral languages around them, they do differ from place to place, community to community, and even case to case. For example, I have a cousin with Downs, and when he was a child we used sign language with him, a mix of ASL and signs we organically invented with him as we went along.
oh, that's too bad. It sounded like a good idea.
What's ASL? (I'm thinking A-something as a Second Language) I think that's interesting - you invented signs to use with your cousin. Does he still use sign language?
ASL = American Sign Language, which is what is standard in the United States and English-speaking Canada (which is where he lives). My cousin was slow to get his words because of his Downs Syndrome, so the family used signs so that he could still communicate. The signs were phased out as he learned to speak.
Ooooo interesting question. I know when I was in Portugal that the users of sign language used the same basic structure to communicate. I'm thinking it is universal - it's the individual's language that isn't, so that's where the problem lies?
Would it be a problem, then? Say, the person from Russia wanted to buy the person from Mexico a coffee, would they each understand the others use of sign language to communicate the thought? I'm thinking yes....
There are more than a 100 sign languages in the world...and there are differences even between BSL (British sign language) and ASL (American sign language) - not to mention others!
That clears that up then Maddie. See when I saw them using it in Portugal and asked about it - I was told they use the same signs for the alphabet as we do, the difference being they don't use the K, and they have signs for the ç, ã, û, é, è, á, and so on.
Confusing. More than I thought. Always wanted to learn it too.
by kathyn 15 years ago
Has anyone taught Baby Signs(R) to their child. I would love to hear from anyone who has taught baby sign language to their baby and what your results were? Would you recommend it to other moms? Please share....
by Momstalk 13 years ago
How many parents out there use sign language for your babies?My one year old signs because she isn't very vocal but I stll want her to have manners and it makes it easier to understand what she needs and wants. She does please, thank you, and all done. We will begin working on more next.
by Christy G 12 years ago
Did you teach your baby sign language?
by Funom Theophilus Makama 12 years ago
What do you think about the sign language? Isn't it underrated?I was just wondering this morning and I realized the sign language is the most universal language in the world. So far so good, it is the same in Africa, Ukraine, Poland, Germany and Switzerland (some of the parts of the world I have...
by lrohner 14 years ago
What age should you start baby sign language? What age should you stop?
by kathyn 15 years ago
Has anyone used baby sign language? I would love to hear about your experiences and I would love to hear from anyone who is intersted in learning more about Baby Signs.
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