Are you interested in learning sign language but not sure where to start? You will find some basic information on here but I'm working on a teaching website and app that will contain a lot more information. That site has just been redone and will be up and running soon with both teaching and entertaining sign language videos for all ages.
Are all sign languages the same? There are many different sign languages just as there are many different country/culture languages around the world. American Sign Language (ASL) is the 4th most used language in the United States, however, there are many more who use sign language without the proper grammar and structure that ASL has and requires to be an official language. Here are the differences:
* American Sign Language - this is an officially recognized language that has it's own grammar rules. * Signed Exact English - often referred to as S.E.E., this means that the person signing does not use the rules of ASL grammar and instead signs in English word order. To be continued...... | Signing Songs? Really?
Most people enjoy music whether it's with your ears or your eyes. Music can be enjoyed by deaf and hard of hearing people the same way we enjoy it. Sign language allows the songs to come to life.
Often you will notice there are variations in the way people sign songs. As I mentioned, there are different types of Sign Languages. When signing songs American Sign Language will tell the story in pictures and make more sense to the Deaf community. Signing in English is usually easier for those who don't have strong ASL skills, however, there are often many concepts lost with signed English. The other type of song signing is Creative signing and this is more a mix of drama, creative movements and dance and signs. This can be beautiful but isn't considered true ASL. |
