Conventionally speaking, a language is a verbal means of communication based upon pre-defined syntax, rules of grammar and tradition. Development of a language depends upon the culture of the community or country from where it evolved. Moving away from the traditional definition of a language, a language may also be based purely on body gestures, hand movements and expressions. Language need not be based on verbal communication.
Sign language has evolved over the years as a means of communicating with people who had hearing disability. It has matured to the extent that it has become a language that is used to teach the hearing impaired. This augurs well for the hearing disabled as now they are open to a number of educational and academic opportunities.
Our capacity to learn languages decreases as we grow older. For effective learning of sign language it is recommended that it be taught from a very young age. This will help the hearing impaired to become skilled in communicating themselves to others and increase their chances of becoming productive.
There is no single form of universally accepted sign language. There are various forms of sign languages that differ from one community or country to another. British Sign Language (BSL) and the sign language used in the US are two types of sign languages. These two forms of sign language have notable differences, in spite of evolving from two regions that have the same verbal language.
If you have a child that is hearing impaired or disabled, then realizing the importance of learning and teaching the child sign language is the first important step. The next step is to actually begin the process of learning. You can take American Sign Language lessons.
Sign languages are a rich and culturally diverse medium of communication and have been accepted as official languages in many countries. The development of sign language has opened up an array of opportunities for teachers and interpreters, besides integrating the hearing impaired and the deaf with the rest of society.
