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These misconceptions are primarily held within hearing communities. They not only undermine the value of sign language as a legitimate communication system but also contribute to the continued marginalization of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Some of these myths persist even today.
Read on to learn about the most common misconceptions about sign language and why they are incorrect.
There is no universal sign language. It’s estimated that there are over 300 different sign languages worldwide. Just as there are national spoken languages, there are national sign languages. For example, American Sign Language is used in the U.S., Australian Sign Language in Australia, and British Sign Language in the U.K. These are three completely different sign languages, to the point where their users cannot understand one another. Sign languages evolve independently of each other, leading to significant linguistic differences. Deaf individuals from different sign language communities generally can’t understand each other, and their communication is limited. In such cases, Deaf people use International Sign, which is used at international gatherings, conferences, or sporting events. It was developed through consensus and includes vocabulary from various national sign languages, as well as elements of pantomime and gestures.
Sign language has a complex grammatical structure, where smaller units—words—combine to form higher-level structures like sentences, something that doesn’t exist in pantomime. Moreover, pantomime involves full-body movements or movements of any part of the body, while sign language is limited to the “signing space,” which extends from the top of the head to just below the waist.
Sign language is not just a visual representation of spoken language. It is a fully developed and complex grammatical system that evolves independently of spoken language. It has its own grammar and vocabulary, enabling users to express an unlimited range of ideas and engage in detailed conversations. However, there is a communication method called simultaneous communication, where spoken language is accompanied by sign language and, if needed, the manual alphabet. In this method, the sign language used is not a complete language system; it borrows vocabulary from the original sign language but follows the sentence structure of spoken language, completely omitting the grammar of sign language.
The Deaf and hard-of-hearing community is very diverse, and not everyone uses sign language. Some people rely on sign language as their main way of communicating, while others use only spoken language. There are also people who use a mix of spoken and sign language (simultaneous communication). The choice of communication method depends on factors like the degree and timing of hearing loss, the hearing status of their parents, and their experiences with rehabilitation and education. It’s important to understand that there isn’t one communication method that works for everyone with hearing loss. Each person should be approached with patience and openness, and you should ask them about their preferred way of communicating.
The UN General Assembly declared September 23rd as International Day of Sign Languages to raise awareness about the importance of sign language in the full realization of human rights for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. September 23rd was chosen because it marks the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951.
The first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018, as part of International Week of the Deaf.
