Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or using sign language: Describes something that is connected to or employs the system of manual communication used by deaf people, involving hand shapes, orientation, movement, and facial expressions to convey meaning.

Usage

• The term "sign-language" is used attributively to modify nouns, indicating that something is related to or designed for communication via sign language. It is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The university offers a sign-language interpreter for all public lectures.
  • She is a sign-language teacher at the community center.
  • They watched a sign-language performance of the song.

Advanced Usage

• "sign-language" as a compound adjective: It is used to specify that a noun (e.g., class, dictionary, interpreter) is specifically for or related to sign language.
  • The app provides sign-language tutorials for beginners.

Variants and Related Words

• Sign language (n): The noun form referring to the language system itself.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete sign language.
• Signed (adj): Can describe communication or performance done in sign language.
  • The news broadcast was signed for deaf viewers.

Synonyms

• Manual: Pertaining to or done with the hands (often in linguistic contexts).
• Gestural: Relating to or using gestures, especially as a system of communication.

Notes

• The hyphenated form "sign-language" is primarily used as an adjective. The unhyphenated form "sign language" is the standard noun phrase.
• This adjective is neutral and descriptive, not to be confused with terms for specific sign languages like ASL (American Sign Language) or BSL (British Sign Language).

Adjective

1. used of the language of the deaf