Is Sign Language Universal??

[shelby45]

Just wondered after watching two people signing to each other, whether sign language is universal. Could an English person go to, say, China and have a signing conversation with a chinese person and still be talking the same language??

[CheekyChops]

No, each country has different signs. American Sign Language for example uses mainly one hand whereas British Sign Language (BSL) uses both.

There are even variations on BSL signs depending which part of the country you live in!

There may be some signs that are universal or recognisable to someone from another country but on the whole I doubt people would be able to converse.

[brionon]

Good question. It's a pity that there isn't a universal sign language. how useful it would be.

[snorpah]

Sign language varies greatly all over. I sign and was taught in London - moved to Devon and I sign with a London accent!!!!!!!!!!!

[tamborine]

universal by BBC Deaf News transmits.

Deaf friends watch news after 1am specially for the deaf signings - more often at full volume - waking the dead.

[bigmamma]

Fascinating question shelby , and amazing to me that snorpah finds themselves signing with a London accent .
I knew the American sign language varies from ours byt I had no idea it varis across the country too . Since losing my speech I use basic manners and greeting signing and am understood ok here thankfully . xx

[snorpah]

its true bigmamma - i sign to deaf people and they sign back '' oh you're from london !!''

amazing!!!

[factor-fiction]

Maybe it's the Man U shirt you wear that gives it away.

Are there signs for words such 'Init'?

[snorpah]

deaf teenagers have their own 'slang' signs just like hearing teenagers and they shorten signs just like hearing teens shorten words innit!!!!