You might not know much about sign language, or maybe you use it at home, but we guarantee that this list of facts will have something new for everyone. Today we’re sharing 15 things you didn’t know about sign language with a bonus video linked at the end. Let’s see what there is to learn!

facts about sign language

 

15 Facts You Didn’t Know About Sign Languages

Fact #1: The earliest records discussing sign language date back to the 5th century BC

This record actually comes from one of the dialogues written by the ancient philosopher Plato. In this particular dialogue, “Cratyle,” during their discussion, Socrates is quoted as saying:

“If we didn’t have voice or tongue and wished to express things to one another, wouldn’t we try to make signs by moving our hands, head, and other parts of the body?”

While no specific title was given to this type of communication, it’s clear that what’s being described would be called sign language today! This makes one of the earliest references to this type of communication thousands of years old! And these philosophers were able to correctly deduce that when people aren’t able to communicate with through traditional speaking, they will find other ways to say what they need to say.

Fact #2: Sign language was once banned!

It may seem crazy, but you read that right. In 1880, during the Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf, a declaration was made stating that oral education was superior to manual education, and that sign language actually did more harm than good.

After this decision, sign language was banned from being taught to deaf students in school and that ban lasted until the modern century.

It wasn’t until 2010 that the ban on American Sign Language (ASL) was formally lifted, and it became a legal, acceptable method for educating deaf students.

Fact #3: There isn’t just one sign language

Just like spoken languages, there are many sign languages worldwide. We’re talking approximately 300 sign languages across the globe.

These languages developed among different groups of people worldwide, resulting in multiple languages instead of one universal sign language.
And even within the same country, you can find a variety of sign languages.

The most popular sign languages in the West are ASL (American Sign Language), primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada, and BSL (British Sign Language), used in the United Kingdom.

However, these two languages are completely different and users of one sign language would have a hard time understanding the other.

Fact #4: International efforts are being made to create a standardized sign language

Even though there are currently many different sign languages, and their isn’t currently a formal “universal sign language,” there are international efforts to create a standardized form of sign language. An international sign language that is gaining traction is called Gestuno!

Gestuno is used in international meetings and events like the Deaflympics. It incorporates elements from different sign languages together. If this language does become standardized, then it means deaf people from around the world would be able to communicate.

Although it’s not a language like ASL or BSL, it helps bridge communication gaps between signers from different countries.

Fact #5: There are sign languages for specific fields

There are specific signs for fields like technology, science, engineering, and mathematics, which make it easier for deaf professionals to communicate complex concepts without having to do long or complicated signs.

This makes it so deaf professionals can communicate as easily and effectively as hearing professionals.

Fact #6: It takes 7 years to become a Qualified Sign Language Interpreter

If you’ve considered becoming a qualified sign language interpreter, just know that there is a long career path. And this may not necessarily include certification processes, though you will likely be ready for it after 7 years.

However, once you do become a qualified interpreter, just know that sign language interpreters work for a maximum of 20-30 minutes at a time. After that, they’re required to switch out for a break. Interpreting can be tiring no matter what language you speak, but when that’s paired with physical movements from signing, then that break becomes mandatory.

Fact #7: Sign languages have their own grammar

Grammar, grammar, grammar… we can’t escape it, not even in sign languages!

Yes, sign languages have grammatical rules, but they differ from spoken languages. For example, in ASL, sentence structure often follows a Topic-Comment format, which contrasts with the Subject-Verb-Object order of English.

And just like in spoken languages, incorrect grammar can lead to confusion. So if you’re learning or building your skills, you still can’t escape grammar.

Fact #8: Facial and body expressions are crucial in sign languages

This fact may not be surprising, but it’s too important not to mention. Sign languages don’t rely solely on signs. These languages are much more complex than just hand gestures.

Along with hand positioning in relation to the body, facial expressions, gestures, and body language play key roles in communicating. They all add meaning and context to signs. Facial expressions, or even just small movements on your face, can change the meaning of a sign or of the sentence. For instance, raising your eyebrows is essential to indicate that you’re asking a question.

Fact #9: Sign languages have their own slang and idioms

Like spoken languages, sign languages constantly evolve. Over time, many slang words and idiomatic expressions have developed in different places.

A popular idiom in ASL, translated into spoken language, is “train-go-sorry.” This fact was once used as a question in the famous TV quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The ASL phrase “train-go-sorry” translates to the English idiom “to miss the train,” or “to miss the boat,” meaning to miss an opportunity or be late to something important.

Fact #10: Babies can learn sign language before they can speak

This makes a lot of sense since a baby’s hand muscles grow and develop faster than their mouth muscles, making signs a better option for early communication.

That’s why some clever parents are teaching their hearing babies basic signs to help them communicate their needs before they can speak, reducing frustration for both the baby and the parents.

Fact #11: Brain damage affects sign language

Unfortunately, just like with spoken languages, brain injuries can affect a person’s ability to sign. One example of how this could happen is through a stroke.

Signers may not be able to form grammatically correct signs or create signs in the correct shapes due to certain types of physical impairments.

Fact #12: Sign language users have name signs

This is a fascinating fact! Instead of spelling out their names letter by letter, signers use a unique sign to represent their name. Everyone’s name sign is unique to them.

A name sign often uses the first letter of the individual’s name paired with a sign related to their physical appearance or personality trait.

Fact #13: Learning sign language has cognitive benefits

Learning languages always has cognitive benefits! And sign language is no exception.

Studies have shown that learning sign language can enhance cognitive abilities, improve spatial awareness, and even provide benefits when learning other spoken languages.

Fact #14: The most widely used sign language is Indo-Pakistani

If you also thought ASL would be the most common language and were surprised by this fact, you’re not alone!

As of 2021, Ethnologue, the living language encyclopedia, published that Indo-Pakistani Sign Language was in the top 200 most spoken languages in the world! It has a whopping 15 million signers, while ASL has less than 500,000 and BSL has only around 150,000. That makes it the most common sign language by a large margin!

Fact #15: Sign language has its own flag

And last but not least, we present the beautiful flag for the sign language community, made by French artist Arnaud Balard.

The Sign Language Flag features the stylized outline of a hand and includes three colors: dark blue, representing deafness and humanity; turquoise, representing sign language; and yellow, representing enlightenment and hope.

Balard intended the flag to be an international symbol to welcome the Deaf community.

Flag of the Deaf Community

 

Bonus Video: 15 Facts You Didn’t Know About Sign Languages

And there you have it: 15 things you probably didn’t know about sign languages!

Don’t miss the video on sign language presented by our teacher Lisa-Joy:


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