Sign language, a very unique form of creation compared to any other languages in the world. Uniqueness lies not in the words but in the physical movements. To begin with this, let me give you a brief introduction how sign language actually begun. It was first created by the French people and later adapted and developed in the United States by the deaf people. This language is not a spoken language however, its the blend of several signs that are compiled and made into words so that the deaf are able to see instead of listening.
Today, this sign system is known as the American Sign Language. It is known to be one of the most refined languages in the world. It dates back centuries ago, when the American Indians used signs to intertribal(between tribes) communication. This has nothing to do with the development of sign language among the deaf, but it is a significant collection of history that associates with this idea.
Different angles and movements of fingers are used to form alphabets and connecting them into a sentence. This is a form of manual commnucation. Most signs are used to represent things and objects and not one single word. Because there will be a need of many types of hand movements if it was to represent a single word. Therefore, to make it easier, a sentence can be formed with the blend of signs of objects, ideas as well as alphabets.
A person knowing how to evaluate sign language smartly and correctly are able to easily cross a language barrier. This is because they as normal beings are able to communicate with the deaf using this sign language rather than using normal spoken language which can only be heard by the ears. Most educational institutes today in the United States have sign language part of the education system. It is to your wish if you would like to take that up as one of your electives. It will be beneficially to us because it will be an advantage to us to communicate with the deaf. It can also be used as art in dance performance (Bharatanatyam) or new form of art in the performing arts field.
The deaf have made their language a very creative and interesting one to learn on. With the variety of language available today, i'm sure there will newly-born languages in the future maybe with just few words and signs or maybe with eye movement. It lies in the creator!
Compiled by Jasneeta Kaur Bhullar =)
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