Sign language: basics

In short: Sign languages are full, independent languages with their own grammar, not just a translation of spoken language into hand signs. Most countries have their own sign language.

In more detail: German Sign Language (DGS) has been legally recognised as an independent language since 2002.

In detail

• Own grammar: Sign languages have sentence structure and grammar that differ from the spoken language of the country.
• Facial expression and posture: Facial expression and body posture are grammatical components, not mere accompaniment.
• National differences: German, Austrian and Swiss sign languages differ from each other just as spoken languages do.
• Fingerspelling: Used mainly for proper names and technical terms, but is not sign language itself.
• Interpreting: Sign language interpreters translate simultaneously between spoken and sign language.
• Signed spoken language (LBG): A mixed form distinct from independent sign language.
• Accessibility: Sign language interpretation at news and events improves participation for deaf people (sprachfamilien-der-welt).