Sign language has always been troubling to legislators, but has finally become recognized as a language by the governments of many countries. While many people believe that sign language is universal, each language or country has its own version. Here we address some of the most popular forms of sign language and signing systems.
British Sign Language
British Sign Language, or BSL, is the most prevalent language among the British deaf community. It uses shaping of the hands, facial expressions, body language and movement to communicate. It is a complete language which includes its own grammar. BSL was recognized by the British government in 2003 as a language, and used to communicate anything in the English language. Although some signs are universal, each language (including American English) has its own form of sign language.
Finger Spelling
Finger Spelling is a signaling system generally used along sign language. It is used to spell out names, places, and anything else there is not a sign for. Many times new words take longer to spell out into BSL so must be spelled before a sign is adopted.
Paget Gorman Signed Speech
Paget Gorman Signed Speech is also a signaling system used with speech to help those with language difficulties. There are 37 basic signs which when combined can make over 4000 more complex ones.
Signed English
Signed English, or SE, is a signaling system as well. It has one sign to represent each word in the English language, but is not a language like BSL. It is intended to be used to help with reading and writing, and has important signs to teach grammar.
Sign Supported English
Sign Supported English, or SSE, is many times the preferred signaling system for hearing people to communicate with the deaf. It uses the same signals as BSL, but unlike SE, you do not have to sign every word. It also does not have its own grammar system like BSL, so hearing people do not have to worry about learning a whole new grammatic structure. This can be picked up fairly quickly to expedite communication.
Pidgin Signed English
Pidgin Signed English, or PSE, is a very crude signaling system. It combines elements of BSL and spoken English to allow communication between hearing people and deaf who only know the strict confines of sign language. It is not recommended but can be used when needed.