Is sign language universal?

[ShawnD1]

Is sign language the same in all countries? If not, is it the same for places with the same spoken language even or is it somewhat regional such as American sign language being different from UK sign language?

[Crix]

no idea, but im sure someone here speaks (term used loosely) sign language and can give us some insight

[Ed_S]

Interesting question... hopefully Neostar will spot this, she's the most likely (by far) to know.

[CraigK]

I did a quick google of this topic and my results say no. sign language is not universal.



It kinda makes sense though. if you think about, different countries have gestures that have different meanings in different places.

[Dax_Brandy]

every body can do sign language.. but for the deaf/mute people, i think they were thought the same sign language in schools.. imo.

[wju425]

I took sign language in junior high as I had friends who are deaf-mutes (I am hearing impaired). While sign languages are not universal some of the signs can be interpreted as the same by different cultures. When it comes to letterings (spelling words) the difference shows.

\o/ Billy

[RayH]

The CONCEPT of signing is universal. But signs themselves are not.

[Mr. Goodbytes]

I know of European sign and American sign. My late great grandmother, originally from near Prague, lost her hearing as a child there due to idiotic doctors. She communicated through European sign language, and my grandfather translated for her.

[NeoStarO1]

Originally posted by ShawnD1
Is sign language the same in all countries? If not, is it the same for places with the same spoken language even or is it somewhat regional such as American sign language being different from UK sign language?

No Sign Language is not universal. UK signs differently than USA and to other countries. England and USA are the only two that are semi close. Each can understand each other with little additional aid.

So for example I can't go to france and expect to understand the deaf people there. Fingerspelling is different as well as signs.

Originally posted by Ed_S
Interesting question... hopefully Neostar will spot this, she's the most likely (by far) to know.

Know me too well eh?

Originally posted by wju425
I took sign language in junior high as I had friends who are deaf-mutes (I am hearing impaired). \o/ Billy

What the hell??? What are you looking for? To get punched in the face!?!?!?! using the term "deaf-mute" is no longer accepted in any deaf community. I'd be very careful using that term. Use either terms Deaf, deaf, hearing imparied but NEVER NEVER NEVER deaf-mute.

[Crix]

im obviously ignorant on the subject, but whats the difference between deaf-mute and just deaf? i especially dont understand how deaf-mute would get you attacked?


i figured deaf-mute = cant hear or speak? (which is kinda a given, seeing as its probably tough to learn a spoken language when you have no way of hearing it)