| Sign language is not just a random collection of | | | | Expressions are just as important as the gestures. |
| gestures... it is a full-blown language in its own right, | | | | They build upon the meaning of the gestures to |
| complete with its own grammatical rules. Each country | | | | convey more information than the gestures could |
| or region has its own sign language, as different from | | | | alone. |
| each other as English is from Spanish. Each version of | | | | In some ways, sign language is better than the spoken |
| sign language is somewhat linked to the spoken | | | | word... communication can occur in areas where |
| language in its region. For example, American sign | | | | speaking is not appropriate (in places of worship or |
| language does share similarities with English, even | | | | while hunting), not allowed (in recording studios or other |
| though it is its own language. | | | | places where speaking is disruptive) or physically |
| Sign language is not based on sentences like English, | | | | impossible (underwater, or in places that are too loud |
| but on phrases and ideas. When translating sign | | | | to hear speech). |
| language into English, for example, some words will | | | | The advantages of knowing sign language in addition |
| have a direct translation. Others find no adequate | | | | to a spoken language are many. Communication |
| translation for the true meaning, just like translating | | | | becomes possible on many levels with the deaf |
| Japanese to English, or English to Arabic. | | | | community, with other people either hearing or not in |
| The written history of sign language begins in France in | | | | any of the above situations, as well as many more. |
| the 18th century. Charles-Michel de l'Epee founded the | | | | Being able to serve the deaf community may also |
| first ever public school for deaf children. Thomas | | | | increase your business. Approximately 22 out of every |
| Hopkins Gallaudet founded the first American school | | | | 1000 persons is deaf or hearing impaired. |
| for the deaf in 1817, and his son, Edward Miner | | | | You may even meet a new best friend that you |
| Gallaudet, founded the first and only liberal arts college | | | | never would have tried to communicate with before |
| in the world for the deaf in 1857. In 1864, its name | | | | you learned sign language. |
| became Gallaudet University, and it remains the only | | | | Teaching your baby sign language can decrease |
| such school of higher learning in the world today. | | | | frustration for both you and your baby, and increase |
| In any sign language, the words are made in gestures | | | | parent-child bonding. The possibilities are endless when |
| and expression, rather than sounds and letters. | | | | you increase your means of communication. |