Sign language is an important form of communication for those with a hearing impairment. In fact, it’s the primary way for them to communicate with each other and with hearing people. Many people think that because Brits and Americans speak the same language, their sign language must be the same too, but that’s not the case. As with spoken languages, most countries have a version of sign language with its own set of rules and signs. That’s because sign languages develop independently in different communities and regions and are influenced by local culture. This means that sign languages can vary greatly between countries and even within regions. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) are distinct and not mutually intelligible. Sign language consists of hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements to represent words or phrases. The basic signs are straightforward to learn, but then there are nuances that are present in each type of sign language that must be learned. Overall, learning sign language requires time, effort, and practice, but with dedication, it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
