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How do signed languages use hand movements, body movements, and facial expressions?
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Language
Spoken language is just one type of language, which has been defined in many different ways across history.
Signed languages are complete, natural languages that utilize a sophisticated system of visual-gestural communication rather than speech sounds. They are not mere pantomime or manual representations of spoken languages; instead, they possess their own distinct grammar, syntax, and morphology.123
The primary components of signed languages include:
- Hand Movements: These are the central element of communication, involving specific gestures and their placement relative to the upper body.1
- Body Movements: Postures and movements of the body are used to convey meaning and structure within the language.1
- Facial Expressions: These are essential for grammatical and semantic expression, working in tandem with manual signs to provide clarity and context.1
Together, these elements form a complex linguistic system that functions independently of spoken languages, serving as a vital mode of communication within Deaf communities and for others who rely on visual-gestural interaction.123