About Sign Language
Discover the fundamentals of sign language, including its history, cultural significance, and why it's a rich and complete language in its own right. These articles explore the linguistic structure and beauty of signed communication across different regions and communities.
Academic Advantages of Sign Language
Learning sign language boosts academic performance for both deaf and hearing students by building language skills and expanding cognitive abilities.
British Sign Language
British Sign Language is a complete language with its own grammar and vocabulary, used by tens of thousands of deaf people across the UK.
Dogs and Sign Language
A deaf dachshund named Sparky learned sign language from prisoners and now lives with deaf students who continue teaching him.
History of Sign Language
Sign language developed from simple gestures into a full language with grammar, starting in 16th-century Italy and spreading through Europe.
Home Signs
Deaf children in hearing families often create their own sign system called home signs, a natural but limited language that develops without formal structure.
How Do Brains Process Sign Language?
Your brain processes sign language visually rather than translating it word-by-word, which changes how it works compared to spoken language.
How Sign Language Choirs Work
Sign language choirs use visual performance and choreography to bring music to life through signed interpretation rather than singing.
How to Start Teaching Signed Language
Get started teaching sign language by learning the language yourself and building teaching experience, even if you're starting from scratch.
Interpreting
Deaf people using British sign language often need interpreters for court, work, medical visits and other situations where communication is essential.
Learn to Sign Week
A week-long UK event teaching sign language in schools and communities, organised by the British Deaf Association each October.
Left Hand Signing
Left handed people can sign naturally using their dominant hand, but it takes effort from both signers and observers to communicate clearly.
Makaton
Makaton is a communication method using signs and symbols that helps people with learning difficulties and autism express themselves more effectively.
Qualifications in Sign Language
Find out what qualifications are available if you want to study British Sign Language formally.
Sign Supported English
Sign Supported English uses British Sign Language signs in English word order, making it easier to learn than full sign language.
The Linguistics of Sign Language
Sign language has a completely different syntax and grammar than spoken languages, making it challenging for adult learners to master.
Uses of Sign Language
Sign language goes beyond helping deaf people communicate and is now being used in industries like music production for silent workplace communication.
Using Sign Language from Birth
Deaf children who learn sign language from birth develop communication skills just as effectively as hearing children learning spoken language.
Using Sign Language in Schools
Schools can help deaf students by using sign language interpreters, learning support assistants, and teaching it as a class skill.
Where to Learn Sign Language
In-person classes with teachers work best for learning sign language, though online courses and videos can help you get started.
Who Can Benefit from Sign Language?
Sign language benefits everyone from teachers to students, not just deaf people, as a practical communication tool and learning aid.
Worldwide Signing Information
Deaf people worldwide face communication barriers because each country has its own sign language, but Gestuno offers a partial solution.