Different Hands, Same Voice: How Sign Language Connects the World
Written by: Keisha Altaira
Edited by: Thuth Htet San
Arriving in Japan without fully knowing the language, I found myself relying on gestures, expressions, and patience to communicate smoothly and properly. At APU, where diverse languages intersect every day, this experience is familiar to many. For Deaf individuals, however, this is not just an adjustment period, but a daily reality, one that reveals both the hurdles and the beauty of human connection beyond spoken words.
To the casual eye, sign language might appear like a universal system, being a single-curated, shared way for Deaf communities globally to communicate. Whereas, in reality, there are over 300 different sign languages utilized worldwide, each molded by its own respective culture, community, and history.
Sign language itself is defined as a visual language expressed through physical movements rather than spoken words. It consists of elements from body movement, hands, facial expressions to eye contact to convey meaning. Despite being primarily used by people who are deaf or with hearing difficulties, it isn’t uncommon for many hearing individuals to also use sign language, exemplifying that this language extends beyond a single community.
Similarly to spoken languages, each has its own structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Even countries who share the same mother tongue can have entirely varying sign languages, making them independent systems instead of variations of one universal form. Examples include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Japanese Sign Language (JSL).
These differences stem from sign languages naturally evolving within communities, shaped by the three pillars of varying social environments, cultures, and histories. ASL, for instance, is said to have expanded from French Sign Language approximately 200 years ago and is now used by more than a million people. In the present, it is increasingly taught in schools and universities as a recognized language in its own right.
Sign language isn’t merely a tool, but a pivotal part of inclusion, identity and access to information as more than 72 million deaf or hard-of-hearing people depend on such a communication medium.
The plentiful existence of hundreds of sign languages at first may seem like a barrier, especially when Deaf communities from different countries interact. Misunderstandings are bound to happen, necessitating creativity, adaptation, or interpretation to bridge the gap.
However, this diversity also demonstrates something of depth. Each sign language carries the experiences, identity, and culture of its users, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways that feel meaningful and authentic. Instead of creating social division, these differences can foster stronger, more intentional connections.
In recognition of its importance, the United Nations General Assembly has appointed September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages, raising awareness about its role in ensuring the rights and inclusion of Deaf communities worldwide.
Ultimately, the diversity of sign languages challenges the idea that difference divides us. Instead, it unravels that true connection is not built on sameness, but on the willingness to understand and embrace one another.
References:
National Geographic Society. (2022, May 20). Sign Language.
Education.nationalgeographic.org. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sign-language/
Nations, U. (2022). International Day of Sign Languages. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day
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