Teacher Discussion Forums

merc007 · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 1

Hi,
This might be a silly question, does Japan have it's own sign language? JSL? Is it similiar to the Chinese SL? or ASL? Just curious.
Also, is the a JSL community there?
Thanks

Lan Qing · Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 4

Yes, Japan has its own sign languages. I am sorry I don't know much about them. Dr. James Woodward at the University of Hong Kong is an expert on East Asian Sign Languages, you might want to contact him for better information. There is a website for the "school sign" used in Japan with English translations below. A word of caution: sign languages each have their own grammars and generally bear little relationship to the spoken, or host, language. "School signs" are generally coded forms of the natural, regional, sign language and are intended for demonstrative purposes in teaching host languages, not for conversation.

http://211.65.64.33/default/sign/sign/sign.html

Peace and goodwill,
Lan Qing
Beijing Union University
College of Special Education

JettAustin · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Dallas, Texas

As in other sign languages, consists of words, or signs, and the grammar with which they are put together. Japanese Sign Language (usually called simply shuwa, hand talk).

Also, JSL is augmented by finger spelling ( yubimoji?, finger letters).

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