Everyone communicates with each other in one way or the other. When we think of communication, a spoken language is what first comes to mind. However, according to Oxford languages, communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
From the above definition, we can note that communication is a medium. Sign language is a means of communication using visual gestures and signs, popularly known to be used by the deaf community.
Only deaf people use sign language.
Only deaf people use what? This statement is not true as commonly believed. It is a visual language designed to aid the deaf or hard of hearing. It helps the hearing impaired communicate but is not for them to use alone.
Anyone can learn and use sign language as a form of communication. In short, the advantages and benefits of learning sign language will blow your mind. Even the Lagos State government of Nigeria encourages its staff to learn sign language by organising sign language workshops and training.
People born in China are not the only people who speak Chinese. French is not relegated only to those who live in France, and sign language is certainly not only for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Whether you understand the Nigerian sign language, American sign language or British sign language or not, you have signed without being aware that you were signing. In short, sign language is a common language we all use without knowing.
Sign language is easy to learn. Unlike learning a new spoken language, it takes a short period to master signing.
Are you interested in learning Nigerian Sign Language (NSL)? Have you been wondering how to learn NSL fast, so you can communicate in this non-verbal language, speak with your Deaf community, your kids, and friends or maybe pursue a career as a Nigerian Sign language interpreter?
Then this article is for you. We will discuss all you need to understand about sign language and tips to help you learn faster.
Myths And Misconceptions Of Sign Language
A popular misconception is that sign language is only used by the deaf community. No one could blame you for believing. Many people believe that sign language is only for the hearing impaired. After all, sign language is not part of the curriculum for students in Nigeria.
For the record: it may not be part of the curriculum in Nigeria, but schools can decide to offer courses in sign language, along with others, if they choose. If we can learn other languages like French, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian, we can learn sign language.
The idea that sign language ‘belongs’ to the deaf community and that ‘hearing’ people don’t need to learn sign language is one of the most limiting myths about signing.
All sign languages are the same. It is another misconception. There is no universal sign language across the world. In Nigeria, we use the Nigerian sign language, Americans use ASL, and Australians use the Australian sign language. Each country has its unique sign language that can only b understood by people who learn it.
There are around 300 different sign languages ‘spoken’ globally, and while some bear similarities, in no way could they be considered the same.
In Nigeria, we use more American Sign language in our learning.
Sign languages are not languages - this is a myth. Research has demonstrated that sign languages are like any other language. They have their grammar and structure. Sign languages have rules for well-formed sentences like we have for spoken languages.
Another myth is that sign language only uses the hand for communication. Sign language is a form of communication that incorporates facial expressions, body movements and hand gestures that we see flowing gracefully.
Understanding How Signing Works
Countries globally that share a commonly spoken language do not necessarily share a common sign language. We use the British standard of spoken and written English in Nigeria. In sign language, we have incorporated more of the use of American sign language.
When it comes to signing language, there is no direct correlation between it and spoken languages. While it is possible to interpret Nigerian sign language or any other sign language into a spoken language, such an interpretation would not be a direct translation.
For instance, if you wanted to ask in sign language if you enjoy travelling by air, you might sign ‘air travel, you like?’ rather than ‘do you like to travel by air?’
Research has shown that most people who learn sign language sometimes find it hard to learn from books and static pictures. It is usually easier to learn faster by watching videos or an in-person demonstration.
Unlike other languages, which use grammar and sounds to learn, sign languages use hand, body and facial movements to create grammar.
The one thing we are sure about is that the more you learn about the Nigerian sign language, you too will realise signing is more efficient and expressive than our spoken or native languages.
Selecting The Right Teacher
While choosing a sign language teacher, you should understand that signing is not their primary means of communication. Unlike a spoken language teacher whose native language might be, for instance, Yoruba, sign language teachers are people who have learnt and mastered the type of sign language you are learning.
Contrary to the belief that if you want to learn a second language, you should learn from a native speaker of that language. Sign language teachers are people who use other spoken languages as a means of communication. If we say you should learn from the deaf community that often uses it, it may take a longer time to learn.
There are several advantages of using a sign language teacher to learn. One of the advantages is that they have gone through the process of learning sign language and will know easy ways to teach you.
Sign language teachers from experience will know your struggles and how you can deal with them from their own experiences.
Is Youtube Good For Learning Sign Language?
Youtube is one of the easiest free ways to learn a new skill or language. The site has dozens of teachers who give free lessons on signing the alphabet, common phrases, numbers, and more. However, the downside to learning skills like sign language on youtube is that some of the videos there are put together by people who are learning sign language.
If you search for Nigerian Sign Language on youtube, videos will pop up. You will see a collection of videos made by a variety of well-meaning people who only want to share their knowledge of this visual language. While demonstrating the language, some of their hand and full-body expressions may not be visible.
Most of those videos are by people who talk their way through the lesson – with their voice, not through signing. Learning Nigerian sign language is not popular, and you may not see videos with plenty of views. However, at the end of watching three or more videos, you will know the one that teaches correctly.
Use It Regularly
Like learning any new language, the easiest way to master it is by using it regularly. The same applies to learning sign language. You must use your sign language skills as often and widely as possible. Use it every chance you get.
You can use it as often as possible by joining a social group for signing or enrolling as a volunteer in a deaf community or organisation. The most important thing is putting yourself out there where you can practice your sign language skills to gain fluency.
Whatever your reasons for learning how to sign in Nigeria, inevitably, you will come in contact with people who are deaf and hearing impaired who, for the most part, will be happy to welcome you into their world.
Just the same way a Hausa man is happy to see non-Hausas speak their language and treat them nicely, it is the same way someone who is hearing impaired would appreciate you can communicate with them in a language they understand.
You can take a step today by finding and making new friendships with people with a form of hearing impairment or the other.
Understanding The Deaf Culture
Each Deaf community is a cultural group which shares sign language and a common heritage. For instance, we have several types of sign language in Nigeria asides from the universal sign language taught in schools for the hearing impaired in Nigeria.
You cannot tell by looking at someone that they are deaf. A deaf person must declare their condition when interacting with people, maybe by using their hands to communicate that they cannot hear. You also need to understand that Deaf people listen with their eyes. Their vision is the most active tool they have to communicate and receive information.
You must understand that deaf people do not see their deafness as a disability; for many, it represents a difference in the human experience. Communication is not a barrier for Deaf people when interacting in the Deaf community because they do not have to depend on an interpreter.
The hearing population can use paper and pen when communicating with a Deaf person. They will appreciate your efforts even more if you use a combination of communication methods, such as hand gestures, facial expressions and the written word.
When we are active in the Deaf community, it will make life full and meaningful by being contributing members of both Deaf and hearing societies.
Take A Sign Language Class
Taking sign language classes will go a long way in helping you learn fast. You might think this is an odd suggestion, but you might be surprised at the number of people who find sign language learning materials not so easy to learn.
Asides from learning the sign language alphabet and fingerspelling, which seem easy, you may not be able to learn sign language properly on your own.
You must have a teacher or an audience to gauge your facial expressions and movements to ensure you learn each sign properly. You must also have people signing at you - so that you can learn to interpret signs.
Additionally, when you take a sign language class, you are sure of learning the type of Sign language you want. The sign language for each country is different. So when you are learning Nigerian sign language, you are sure that is what you are learning.
With your knowledge of sign language, you become a bilinguist and can communicate and volunteer in the deaf community, become an interpreter as a career and much more.
If you are interested in learning how to sign, you can start by checking out the various sign language teachers on Superprof Nigeria. Most of the tutors offer the first hour of their lesson free. Go try them out today.
You can also read up:
The Best Apps And Resources To Help You Learn Sign Language In Nigeria
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