The Evolution of Sign Language

Sign language is the language that uses many different forms of non-verbal communication. Lip patterns, body language, and specific hand gestures all play key roles in the language of signing. Anyone can learn sign language fairly easily, and it is quite useful for discarding the barrier between deaf people and people who can hear. It creates communication between all people involved, and is fairly simple to learn. But where did it come from?

Sign language began in the late 1700s, in Spain. Juan Pablo Bonet started this language, by writing a book about teaching “mute people to speak”. Since then it has traveled to many parts of the world, including the United States. There is even an international sign language that unites the entire world, and is used for major events. International sign is a major role in sign language communities, especially for the deaf. It is closer to an actual type of language, versus a regular American Sign.

Sign language has also grown to include many more facial animation gestures, to easily get the idea or message across to other people involved in the communication. These are especially important when two deaf people of different languages are trying to communicate. They must rely on external sources of sign language to properly “speak” or communicate with each other.

While national sign languages are in existence, they are very similar to other sign languages. It is easier to create hand gestures that represent one word versus words that mean the same thing and can be said by all. Sign language is beautiful to watch, and has historically been part of famous plays and poetry.

Since the historical “creation” of sign language, many schools for the deaf have formed around the world.  Camps like Toronto Summer Camps are equipped with deaf-friendly staff. There are hundreds in the USA alone, making it possible for deaf students to come together and not feel so left out or alienated. There are even special universities and colleges for sign language users, so that they may also obtain a degree. This wasn’t always possible, especially during the formative years of sign language.

Sign language is the one language that can be understood worldwide. While different places have different motions, they all are essentially similar and easily comprehended. It continues to grow and change each day, and more people are becoming familiar with the meanings of hand gestures. The history of sign language may be simple, but the impact it has made on our world is astounding!