Sign_Language_Presentation (1)

1.

The Fascinating World
of Sign Language
History, Myths, and Surprising Facts

2.

Early History: How It All Began
Ancient Roots
Sign language is not a new invention. Even in ancient Greece, the philosopher Plato
wrote that deaf people used their hands and bodies to communicate freely.
The First Manual Alphabet (1620)
Juan Pablo Bonet published the very first book for deaf education in Spain. It
included a visual guide for a one-handed alphabet.
The Pioneer of Schools (1750s)
Charles-Michel de l'Épée founded the first free public school for the deaf in Paris. He
is known today as the 'Father of the Deaf'.
Useful Vocabulary
• Ancient Roots
— древние корни
• Invention
— изобретение
• To communicate
— общаться

3.

Myth vs. Reality: Is It Universal?
It is NOT Universal
There is no single global sign language. Around the world, there are between 140
and 300 different independent sign languages.
ASL vs. BSL
American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are completely
different! A deaf person from New York cannot understand a deaf person from
London.
Language Families
Surprisingly, ASL is historically closer to French Sign Language than to British. They
belong to completely different language trees.
Useful Vocabulary
• Universal
— всеобщий /
универсальный
• Completely different
— абсолютно разные
• Surprisingly
— удивительно / как ни
странно

4.

Fascinating Linguistic Facts
More Than Just Hands
Grammar is expressed through facial expressions, lip movements, and body
posture. For example, raised eyebrows can change a statement into a question.
Independent Grammar
Sign language is not a word-for-word translation of spoken English. It has its own
complex syntax, sentence structures, and unique idioms.
Regional Accents
Just like spoken languages, sign languages have local accents and slang. A deaf
person from Texas signs differently than a person from New York.
Useful Vocabulary
• Facial expressions
— мимика лица
• To express
— выражать
• Accents
— акценты / выговор

5.

Thank You for Your Attention!
Do you have any questions?