sign language
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A system of communication used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and sometimes by others who can hear, that employs specific, structured hand shapes, movements, orientations, and facial expressions to convey meaning. It is a complete, natural language with its own grammar and syntax, distinct from spoken languages.
Usage
- Sign language is used as a primary means of communication within Deaf communities.
- It functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
- Example:
Examples
- Noun:
- The university offers courses in British Sign Language.
- Interpreters translate spoken words into sign language in real time.
- Learning a sign language provides access to a rich culture and community.
Advanced Usage
- "in sign language": Using the medium of manual communication.
- She told the story entirely in sign language.
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related concepts.
- They attended a sign language workshop.
Variants and Related Words
- Signed language: A more formal or technical synonym for "sign language."
- Manual communication: A broader term that can encompass sign languages and other systems using the hands.
- Fingerspelling (n): A component of many sign languages where individual letters of a written alphabet are represented by specific handshapes, often used for names or technical terms.
Synonyms
- Manual language
- Signing (when referring to the act)
Related Phrases
- Sign for: The specific gesture or sequence used to represent a particular word or concept in a sign language.
- What is the sign for "friend" in ASL?
Notes
- "Sign language" is not universal; there are many different sign languages around the world (e.g., ASL, BSL, LSF), just as there are many spoken languages.
- It is a common misconception that sign languages are simply gestured versions of the surrounding spoken language. They are independent languages with their own linguistic rules.
Noun
- language expressed by visible hand gestures