Sign Language: A Bridge Between Cultures and Worlds

What is Sign Language?
Sign language is a natural method of communication that uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body positioning to convey information. Contrary to popular belief, sign language is not universal.
There are numerous sign languages, each unique and reflective of the cultural and linguistic norms of a specific country or region. For instance, American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Russian Sign Language (RSL) each have distinct grammar and vocabulary.

Fascinating Facts About Sign Language

• More than 300 sign languages are recognized and used worldwide.
• ASL and BSL differ by more than 60%, despite both being used in English-speaking countries.
• In Japanese Sign Language, numbers are often shown with both hands, unlike the one-handed technique in ASL.
• Deaf sign language users have fluid, rhythmic movements that do not rely on spoken language.
• Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language grammar, affecting the meaning of signs.
• Finland has a unique sign for “Santa Claus,” a gesture representing “pulled-out whiskers,” symbolizing the culture.
• ASL has a unique sign for “irony,” involving raised eyebrows and crossed fingers to add nuance.
• Some schools for the Deaf have specific signs for local foods and drinks; for example, Mexican Sign Language has a unique sign for tacos.
• Research has found that babies can learn basic signs for words like "mom," "drink," and "sleep" before they speak, easing communication with parents.

A Brief History of Sign Language
Sign language has ancient roots, dating back to classical times. The first references to gesture-based communication appear with the Greek philosopher Socrates. However, sign language wasn’t recognized as a full form of communication until the 18th century. In 1755, Charles-Michel de l’Épée founded the first school for the Deaf in Paris, where a systematic form of French sign language was used. Since then, sign languages have flourished globally, adopting various forms and styles.

Types of Sign Languages Around the World
Each country—and sometimes even regions within a country—has its unique sign language systems. These languages reflect the cultural and historical features of a society and vary in structure and rules. Here are some popular examples of sign languages:

Sign Languages by Region
Sign language is unique in each country, reflecting cultural and linguistic nuances just like spoken languages. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are over 60% different, despite both being used by English speakers. Japanese Sign Language (JSL) has a distinctive way of counting that uses two hands, in contrast to ASL’s one-handed counting. In Finland, there's even a special sign for Santa Claus, symbolizing his long beard, which is a culturally significant gesture. Russian Sign Language (RSL) includes region-specific variations, influenced by local customs and dialects. Each sign language mirrors the identity and heritage of its users, making it a unique bridge between cultures.|
Like spoken languages, sign languages have dialects. For instance, different regions in Russia have unique versions of RSL, with variations in signs and expressions due to regional isolation and cultural traits. ASL in the U.S. also has dialect differences between the North and the South.

Structure and Grammar of Sign Language
Sign languages have their own grammar and syntax, which can differ significantly from spoken languages. For example, in ASL, sentences often follow the “subject-object-verb” order, like “I – book – read.” Interestingly, facial expressions and body positioning often convey emotions and intonations, adding expressiveness to communication.

Main Elements of Sign Language

• Hand gestures – Basic words and phrases are expressed through hand movements.
• Facial expressions – Convey emotions and intonation.
• Body positioning – Adds context or indicates a relationship with the speaker.
• Location of signs – Where a sign is performed can change its meaning (e.g., signs near the face or chest).

Example: How Location Affects Meaning
For example, in RSL, raising your eyebrows and moving your palm upwards can mean “what.” But by changing hand position and facial expression, you can convey concepts like “why,” “how,” “where,” and more.

Sign Language and Culture: Differences and Similarities
Sign languages are deeply connected to a country’s culture. In America and Western Europe, signs tend to be direct and open, while in Asia, signs may be more reserved, reflecting cultural etiquette. In Japan, for instance, there is a sign for bowing—a gesture central to Japanese culture.

Cultural Difference Example
In RSL, there is a unique sign for “tea,” where the hand moves toward the mouth, mimicking a cup. In Japanese Sign Language, this might be unfamiliar, as tea is associated with the tea ceremony, and signs related to tea connect to that ritual.

Interesting Research and Statistics
According to research, only around 5% of the world’s population knows sign language. In 2021, a U.S. study found that around 500,000 people use ASL as their primary language at home. Russian Sign Language was recognized as an official language for the Deaf in Russia in 2012, though its integration into public spheres remains limited.

Conclusion: The Future of Sign Language
Today, sign language is gaining recognition and significance worldwide. Technology also plays a role, with apps for learning sign language, the use of signs in virtual reality, and ongoing work on automatic sign-to-text translation. But above all, sign language enables people to connect and understand each other beyond nationality, age, or physical differences.
Sign language is not just a tool for communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing but a universal medium that has the power to unite us all.

Helpful Resources on Sign Language

• National Geographic – Sign Language
• British Sign Language Association (BSL)
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Russian Sign Language (RSL)
• ASL Research and Statistics (2021)

Author
Anika Brain, polyglot and speaker of seven languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, and Italian.

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