Sign Language

Sign Language is a language that doesn’t rely at all on sound but uses gestures and facial expressions for communication. As with sound-based languages, there isn’t just one Sign Language, but many languages (and even dialects) which will require translation in international settings. More and more countries recognise their national Sign Language as an official language. In the English-speaking context, International Sign Language (ISL) is most used at international conferences. Not all persons who are deaf understand and speak Sign language.

Tactile signing is a method of communicating using touch that is used by some persons with deafblindness. The person with deafblindness places their hands over those of the signer to follow what is being communicated through touch and movement. This is sometimes called ‘hand over hand’, ‘hands-on signing’.

Check these tips on how to find Sign Language interpretation.