Different types of Sign language

In the same way that normal children learn how to speak, deaf children who are brought up to deaf families learn sign language. Until recently a vigorous teaching programme of oralism was accepted as the best teaching method for deaf children. Children were taught to practise producing English sounds and to develop lip-reading skills so they could eventually have normal communication. Less than 10% of children involved in this scheme could speak understandable English and about 5% were able to lip-read effectively. As this failure became apparent, deaf communities needed another method of communication and therefore many different sign languages were formed and used.

American Sign Language is still one of the most widely spoken sign language, with over 500,000 users. From this, British Sign language was created.  In the UK, British sign language is the most popular amongst the British deaf community. They use facial expressions, body language and hand movements to communicate. In 2003, BSL was recognised formally as an official language. However, BSL contains a separate grammar system from English, which can make it difficult for hearing parents to teach their children, so many opt for different types of language.

For this reason, Signed English is becoming more popular. This language is formed by signs corresponding to each word and follows English syntax rules. Because of this, people are able to speak at the same time that they sign so Signed English facilitates the interaction between hearing and deaf communities.  There are many different types of Signed English catered for different abilities. For example, Makaton is spoken by 100,000 people in the UK and is preliminary aimed at those who have learning or communication difficulties.

 Also, Finger Spelling/ Manually Coded English is increasing in popularity. They use the signed alphabet to spell out each word, which possibly makes it easier for them to learn to write. Many sign languages incorporate some finger spelling if there are no apparent signs to go with an action and are used in many sign languages for proper nouns.  

British signed alphabet:

For more information you can visit:

http://www.makaton.org/

http://www.britishsignlanguage.com/