By Tomoka Eri
People have a language. Deaf people also have language for them. That is the sign language. Do you think sign language is common worldwide? That is not true. According to the book by Hinohara(2023), English-speaking countries communicate the same in the United States, England, and Australia, but deaf communities use different sign language. Each country uses its own sign language. The following is an investigation of these differences. Especially, Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) will be mentioned.
The first explanation is Japanese Sign Language (JSL). JSL is classified in detail into “Japanese Sign Language” and “Japanese-compatible Sign Language”. According to the thesis by Sasaki and Kubota(2002), “Japanese Sign Language” refers to a form of expression that occurs naturally among deaf people and has a different system from the Japanese . On the other hand, “Japanese-compatible Sign Language” replaces Japanese words with sign language words and arranges them as they are, so the only difference in form of expression is whether it is an auditory symbol or a visual symbol. Therefore, it is often used by people with hearing loss, hearing difficulties, and hearing.
The next explanation is American Sign Language (ASL). According to the National Association of the Deaf, ASL is a language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax. Like all languages, ASL is a living language that grows and changes over time. Asl is used predominantly in the United States and in many parts of Canada. ASL is accepted by many high schools, colleges, and universities in fulfillment of modern and “foreign” language academic degree requirements across the United States.
Compare JSL and ASL with some examples. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Welfare website, first, when indicating “eat”, in JSL, the palm of the left hand is turned up and the index finger and middle finger of the right hand are carried to the mouth. On the other hand, in ASL, repeat the movement of the pursed right hand close to the mouth, as if eating bread. Second, when indicating “Thank you”, in JSL, put the right hand vertically on the instep of the left hand and raise only the right hand. At this time, lower the head lightly. On the other hand, in ASL, move the right hand away from the mouth and move like a throwing kiss. From these examples, sign language methods are completely different between JSL and ASL in the same meanings.
Therefore, people have a language, and deaf people also have a language called sign language. It is essential for them. In addition, sign language is used differently from country to country, even though it is a language used all over the world, and it is based on gestures that capture each country’s culture and characteristics in the same meanings. According to the book by Hinohara(2023), recently, the value of learning sign is once again appreciated, and not only in schools for the Deaf. That is why, it is very important to learn the sign language of each country.
References
Hinohara, E. K. (2023). What is Language? A CLIL Course for Learners of English
Sasaki, H & Kubota, M (2002) Japanese Sign Language and Japanese
National Association of the Deaf What is American Sign Language?
https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nad.org%2Fresources%2Famerican-sign-language%2Fwhat-is-american-sign-language%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf4dfcf35a1c347c08a0108dc265dbcc2%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638427431823198313%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TIh%2BGv9DUMHAPIzk3hZmlS5%2Bl%2FppEjLQlEcNq4aOQ54%3D&reserved=0
Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Welfare
https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fukushi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp%2Fshougai%2Fkoho%2Fsekaiwotunagusyuwa.files%2Fgaikokunosyuwa.pdf&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf4dfcf35a1c347c08a0108dc265dbcc2%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638427431823205905%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wmO2K2MPno5h5v5GI6Q2uZ7ESDHzLcSPe0sPR9jsnlQ%3D&reserved=0
