This document covers an introduction to sign language including the types of sign language, who uses sign language, why sign language is important, and provides a reference. It discusses that sign language involves hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to communicate instead of speaking. There are two main types - alternate sign language used in limited contexts and primary sign language which is the first language of deaf communities. Sign language is important for deaf people to exercise their rights and access information as it allows communication without spoken language.

3. THINGS TO COVER
Introduction to Sign Language
Types of Sign Language
Who use Sign Language?
Why is Sign Language Important?

4. Introduction to
Sign Language

5. INTRODUCTION
A sign language is a language which, uses manual communication and body
language to convey meaning
This involves simultaneously combining hand shapes, movement of the hands, arms
or body, and facial expressions to express a speaker's thoughts
Unlike gestures, sign language is like speech and is used instead of speaking,
whereas gestures are mostly used while speaking

6. Types of Sign
Language

7. TYPES OF SIGN
LANGUAGE
There are two types of sign language:
Alternate Sign Language
Primary Sign Language
is a system of hand signals developed by
speakers for limited communication in a
specific context where speech cannot be used
is the first language of a group of people who
do not use a spoken language with each other

8. Who uses Sign
Language

9. WHO USES SIGN
LANGUAGE
The class of people that use sign language include the following:
Deaf
Sign language newscasters
Some parents also teach their babies sign language because it enhances their
communication skills

10. Why is Sign
Language
Important?

11. IMPORTANCE OF SIGN
LANGUAGE
• Have the right to exercise their civil as well as linguistic-cultural rights,
• Have the right to pursue studies/education in sign-language,
• have the right to contribute in decision making,
• have the right to equal and, full access to information as well as accessible
communication and orientation,
• have the right to assert/represent themselves in sign-language and utilize
the right to vote,
• have the right to use sign-language in all areas of life. 11
Sign language is important to people that cannot communicate verbally because of the
following reasons:

12. REFERENCE

13. REFERENCE
• George Yule, “The Study of Language”,
Third Edition.
• http://www.eud.eu/news.php?action=view
&news_id=49
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_language
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14. THANK
YOU