The Three Common Questions About Sign Language

Hello guys, did you know that I am studying Austrian Sign Language?

In this post I am going to write about the three most common

questions hearing people might have about this very different but beautiful and exciting  language.

First and foremost, there is NOT ONLY ONE sign language in the whole world. However, some signs may be equal but officially every country has its own sign language with its dialects. For example I am studying at the University of Graz, for this reason we are learning Austrian Sign Language, called ÖGS, with a Styrian influence. Due to the fact, that the signs differ from state to state, it is not easy for beginners (like me) to understand i.e. a Viennese person who signs, even though it is ÖGS. However, after some practice, I am going to be able to understand the different dialects and styles. By the way, in Austria, the ÖGS is an official language since 2005!

Second, many deaf people (not all, but quite a few) do not understand the written language, on the contrary, due to a lack in the system of education in the past, many deaf people did not receive the education a hearing person could have enjoyed. This is the reason why people from the deaf community do not always have very good ‘reading-understanding’ skills.  For deaf people it is rather difficult to understand ‘our’ complicated words and officialese. You have to imagine that deaf people are most of the time thinking in pictures. They try to describe their world in images with the help of mimik and gesture. However, it is difficult to understand words like ‘legislation’ because (in the most cases) this word is not part of their everyday life. So if they read this word they may have some understanding problems. If you want to write a letter to a deaf person keep in mind to write it clear and not too complicated and stay available for any questions they may have :)

Third, yes there are grammar rules in sign language. There are sentence structures, with verbs, question words, rheme and theme structures, tenses, etc… But they have some rules the hearing world does not have. The mimik, for example, is so important for the grammatical sense in a sentence. Why? Well, the mimik is for the deaf the same important stylistic tool as the intonation is for the hearing people. This means, a sentence without the right mimik and gesture might be totally boring, or even incorrect. Furthermore, a three dimensional room is used as well as the correct body movement and eye-contact. In conclusion, the grammatical structures from sign language differ in many ways from my mother tongue German. However, these structures are essential for the production of correct sentence structures. Additionally, while communicating with a deaf person, you should not jew a chewing gum or smoke a cigarette. This actions make your shape formed by the mouth unclearly. In fact, the deaf person might not understand you, as it is not possible to read from your lips. So keep in mind to talk slowly and clearly.

Nevertheless sign language is different in so many ways, I am very proud to be a sign language learner. This language opened a new world for me. It showed me how I can produce new expressions only with my hands, body and face. For me, it is a new way of communication. The great  insights in the Deaf Culture are so interesting and impressive. This is the reason why I am going to share some videos with you. Maybe you can get some new impressions about this great culture and enjoy the videos.

The following videos are in American Sign Language:

This is a very nice poem :)

A young deaf girl, explaining what it's like to be a deaf person (poem)

Maybe you know the movie Frozen ;) This is the song 'Let It Go' performed by two girls, enjoy ;)