"Sign languages (also known as signed languages) are languages that use the visual-manual modality to convey meaning, instead of spoken words."
This is a visual form of communication used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Introduction to Sign Language: This is a basic introduction to sign language, introducing learners to the origin, purpose, and importance of sign language.
American Sign Language (ASL): This covers the American version of sign language, which makes use of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
British Sign Language (BSL): This covers the British version of sign language, and goes over the common signs, symbols, and gestures used in BSL.
Alphabet and Numbers in Sign Language: This goes over the finger-spelling alphabet used in sign language, along with the numbers or counting system used in sign language.
Grammar in Sign Language: This covers the unique grammatical rules and structure that is used in sign language.
Vocabulary and Phrases in Sign Language: This covers common phrases, words and expressions used in sign language.
Fingerspelling and Sign Recognition: This covers the basics of fingerspelling and sign recognition, which are essential skills for sign language learners.
Sign Language Classes and Resources: This covers the different resources and training options available for individuals seeking to learn sign language.
Sign Language Interpretation: This covers the interpretation aspect of sign language, including the techniques, ethics, and challenges faced by sign language interpreters.
Sign Language and Culture: This covers the role of sign language in culture, including the historical, social, and political context of sign language.
Introduction to Sign Language: An overview of the history, concepts, and applications of sign language.
Basic Sign Language Vocabulary: A list of basic signs and phrases commonly used in daily communication.
Grammar and Syntax in Sign Language: An explanation of how signs are structured and arranged to form sentences in sign language.
Fingerspelling: The use of individual letter signs to spell out words in sign language.
Non-Manual Markers: Facial expressions, body language, and other non-manual markers used to convey meaning in sign language.
Regional Differences in Sign Language: How sign language varies across different regions and cultures.
Deaf Culture and Community: An exploration of the culture and community of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Interpreting Sign Language: An overview of the profession of sign language interpreting, including ethical considerations and best practices.
"Sign languages are expressed through manual articulation in combination with non-manual markers."
"Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and lexicon."
"Sign languages are not universal and are usually not mutually intelligible, although there are also similarities among different sign languages."
"Linguists consider both spoken and signed communication to be types of natural language."
"Both emerged through an abstract, protracted aging process and evolved over time without meticulous planning."
"This is supported by the fact that there is substantial overlap between the neural substrates of sign and spoken language processing."
"Sign language should not be confused with body language, a type of nonverbal communication."
"Wherever communities of deaf people exist, sign languages have developed as useful means of communication and form the core of local Deaf cultures."
"Although signing is used primarily by the deaf and hard of hearing, it is also used by hearing individuals, such as those unable to physically speak, those who have trouble with oral language due to a disability or condition, and those with deaf family members including children of deaf adults."
"The number of sign languages worldwide is not precisely known."
"The 2021 edition of Ethnologue lists 150 sign languages."
"The SIGN-HUB Atlas of Sign Language Structures lists over 200."
"Notes that there are more which have not been documented or discovered yet."
"As of 2021, Indo Sign Language is the most used sign language in the world."
"Ethnologue ranks it as the 151st most 'spoken' language in the world."
"Some sign languages have obtained some form of legal recognition."
"Linguists distinguish natural sign languages from other systems that are precursors to them or obtained from them."
"Constructed manual codes for spoken languages, home sign, 'baby sign', and signs learned by non-human primates."
"Sign languages have developed as useful means of communication."