Definition of Sign language
Sign languages (also known as signed languages) are languages that use the visual-manual modality to convey meaning rather than spoken words. They are expressed through manual articulation in combination with non-manual markers, and are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and lexicon. Sign languages are not universal and are usually not mutually intelligible, although there are similarities among different sign languages.
Wherever communities of deaf and hard of hearing people exist, sign languages have developed as a means of communication and form the core of local Deaf cultures. Although signing is used primarily by deaf and hard of hearing people, it is also used by hearing individuals, such as those with deaf family members including children of deaf adults (CODAs).
Sign languages are distinct from body language, a type of nonverbal communication. Linguists also distinguish natural sign languages from other systems that are precursors to them or derived from them, such as constructed manual codes for spoken languages, home sign, baby sign language, and signs used with non-human primates.
Related terms
Deaf culture
Deaf culture encompasses the social beliefs, behaviors, arts, traditions, history…
Otitis media
Otitis media is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear. One of the two main…
Video relay service
A video relay service (VRS), also sometimes mistaken for video interpreting service…
Deaf theology
Deaf theology is a modern theological perspective that frames theological issues through…
Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf
The Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf, commonly known as the Milan…
Cued speech
Cued speech is a visual system of communication used with and among deaf or…
Social impact of profound hearing loss
People with extreme hearing loss may communicate through sign languages. Sign languages…
Simultaneous communication
Simultaneous communication, SimCom, or sign supported speech (SSS) is a technique…
Auditory verbal agnosia
Auditory verbal agnosia (AVA), also known as pure word deafness, is the inability to…
Frequently asked questions
What is Sign language?
Sign languages (also known as signed languages) are languages that use the visual-manual modality to convey meaning rather than spoken words.