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Sign Language Chart

A sign language chart can be a phenomenal education tool. Once you start using one, you'll probably refer to it again and again.

An Essential Tool

Sign Language Chart A sign language chart can be a valuable addition to your home library, even if you are not deaf nor have a relative who is deaf. In today's multicultural world, it is increasingly important for hearing people to be able to communicate effectively with non-hearing people. And perhaps there is no greater communications tool for that purpose than sign language.

American Sign Language is actually quite complex, and a single chart may not be able to capture that complexity. However, a chart can certainly assist you in mastering the fundamentals of this beautiful language.

What makes American Sign Language so much more complicated than other foreign tongues is the fact that it is a whole-body experience. In order to communicate the language effectively, you need to use not only your hands, but your body and face as well. Just like other languages, though, American Sign Language has its own set of grammatical rules and its own sentence structure.

Simple, Yet Complex

Still, interestingly enough, you can learn sign language while you are still a baby. This is the inherent contradiction of sign language: it is quite complex to master, but, on a certain level, it is easy to understand. While it can be beneficial for an individual to take classes in sign language, it is not absolutely essential. With the help of a sign language chart, a good instructional manual, and a friend to practice with, you can learn to converse and comprehend using sign language.

Aspects of American Sign Language date back to 1775, when a French priest named Charles Michel began a deaf school in Europe. In an effort to standardize instruction, the priest began an "official" French version of sign language. It was from this that American Sign Language was derived.

Often, individuals will speak and sign at the same time. This can encourage lip-reading, which can also foster greater communication. Over time, you can determine for yourself whether speaking while signing is appropriate in your particular case.

Once you purchase a sign language chart, you will be well on your way to mastering American Sign Language — a language with such depth and breadth that it may take you a lifetime of study to fully appreciate it.

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