Sign Languages

Definition

Sign languages are fully developed, natural languages that use visual gestures and signs to convey meaning, primarily used by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. These languages have their own grammar and vocabulary distinct from spoken languages, allowing for complex expression and communication among users. Like all languages, sign languages exhibit properties of universal grammar and language universals, reflecting the innate capacity of humans to create structured forms of communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sign languages have their own unique grammar rules that differ significantly from the grammar of the spoken languages used in the same regions.
2. There are many different sign languages around the world, such as American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and French Sign Language (LSF), each with its own structure and lexicon.
3. Sign languages are not universally identical; for example, ASL and BSL are distinct languages despite both being used in English-speaking countries.
4. The development of sign languages shows that human beings possess an innate capacity for language, as they arise naturally in deaf communities without formal teaching.
5. Research has demonstrated that children who are exposed to sign language from an early age acquire it naturally, similar to how hearing children learn spoken language.

Review Questions

• How do sign languages exemplify universal grammar concepts found in spoken languages?
  • Sign languages exemplify universal grammar by displaying a structured system of syntax, morphology, and semantics similar to spoken languages. They utilize a specific set of rules governing word order and sentence formation, indicating that the ability to create complex language structures is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. This showcases how both signed and spoken forms adhere to innate linguistic principles, reflecting commonalities across diverse language systems.
• Discuss the implications of having multiple distinct sign languages worldwide on our understanding of language universals.
  • The existence of multiple distinct sign languages around the world challenges the notion of a single 'universal' language. Each sign language reflects the cultural context and needs of its users while adhering to linguistic universals such as the presence of grammar and vocabulary. This diversity demonstrates that while language can vary widely in form, the underlying principles that govern human language usage remain consistent across different modalities, highlighting the adaptability of human communication.
• Evaluate the significance of natural sign language development in deaf communities for our broader understanding of human linguistic capability.
  • The natural development of sign languages in deaf communities significantly enhances our understanding of human linguistic capability by illustrating that language is an inherent trait among humans. These languages emerge spontaneously within communities, independent of formal instruction, which aligns with theories suggesting that humans have an innate predisposition for creating complex systems of communication. The study of these languages also challenges preconceived notions about intelligence and communication in deaf individuals, emphasizing that linguistic expression is not limited to auditory modalities but is equally rich in visual-spatial forms.

Related terms

Gestural Communication: A form of communication that relies on bodily movements, facial expressions, and gestures to convey messages, which can be seen in both sign languages and non-verbal interactions.

Phonology:

The study of the sound systems in languages; in sign languages, this refers to the study of handshapes, movements, and facial expressions that function similarly to phonemes in spoken languages.

Sociolinguistics: The study of how language varies and changes in social contexts; this field examines how sign languages develop within different communities and cultures.