Monday, August 6, 2012

Reasons to Learn a Sign Language

A sign language is the way for deaf or hard of hearing people to communicate visually. They communicate with using their hands and certain gestures, finger spelling, etc. This language has been created by the deaf community and this is a language style all their own.

However, in the United States, there are two types of sign language. American sign language (ASL)and English Sign Language(ESL). ESL is based on written English. ASL, however, is strictly its own language. Yes, it is in English, but the grammar and structure of the sentences is different. In ESL, all are completely written whereas in ASL, some are flipped, and some are missing. A lot of 'small' words are not used and there are a lot more gestures are used than finger spelling.

The only difficulty in learning sign language is that it varies in different areas. In this language, you do not need to say accurately, just facial expressions and movements are enough and more than the words you say.

In sign language, there is no grammatical concepts such as punctuations, raising the tone whenever you are asking the question like in a speaking English language. A cocked head, a raised eyebrow, even a shrug can indicate a question being asked.

Learning sign language is worth it because it not only allows you to learn to use your expressions and body to tell a story but also it makes you aware of what people mean, rather than what they say. It can also be considered a great distance communicator.

To put in simply terms, sign language is useful because:
  • You can communicate through windows.
  • Sign language is a 3-D Language.
  • You can make your career in this field.
  • You can sign with your mouth full.
  • Hearing parents can communicate with their deaf child.
  • You can sign underwater.
  • You can interact with a baby.
  • Sign Language is a neat way to express yourself.
  • You can communicate across a room without shouting.
  • Sign language is beautiful.
  • You can make friends with deaf people.
  • Sign language brings together hearing and the hearing impaired.