![]() When sign systems are taught in place of a true sign language, the visual, gestural qualities of a true sign language are jeopardized, thus limiting the majority of a learner’s full comprehension of what is being communicated, especially when daily interactions with Deaf folks outside of the classroom are minimal to non-existent. These sign systems are created to represent the native spoken/written/read language of the majority hearing culture around them. Today, around the world, sign systems, not sign languages, are most often taught by well-meaning hearing people to deaf people, young and old, usually in a classroom-like setting. Instead, the students themselves began creating their own language with their hands and bodies to communicate with each other and Nicaraguan Sign Language was birthed. Historically and unfortunately this is the hearing world’s most common thinking and their best solution for a child’s deafness. The plan was to teach the deaf students written Spanish and lipreading to communicate with their hearing families. ![]() Hundreds of deaf children were placed in two “special needs” vocational schools with very limited resources. The most notable occurrence of this took place in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in Managua, Nicaragua. Sign languages can and do emerge naturally among multiple deaf children if they are granted time enough together for it to do so. What ears do for learning language in utero, the eyes and vibrations do for learning sign language following birth. In fact, Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college for the Deaf in the world, located in Washington, DC, offers a course online entitled “Learning Language by Eye or by Ear” created by Dr. The research that surrounds this discovery is fascinating. Language acquisition actually begins in utero. Humans are all born with an innate desire to communicate with one another through language. American Sign Language is NOT a universal sign language. ![]() Is American Sign Language Universal? This is a question we are asked repeatedly in The Signs for Hope Marketplace. My use of “D”, Deaf, refers to the world’s population who use sign language as their chosen mode of communication or would if given the opportunity to be exposed to it. This encompasses all those with hearing loss, whatever level, which are limited in their communication within the speaking, hearing world without assistance. Note: My use of “d”, deaf, denotes the audiological loss of hearing. Printed in the Fairview Town Crier August, 2022 ![]()
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