Greatest Inventions Of All Time #1 SIGN LANGUAGE

SIGN LANGUAGE

WHAT IS IT?

Sign Language is a language which uses hand signs, body language and facial expressions to convey meaning, as opposed to acoustically conveyed sound patterns. Deaf people, as a way to overcome their disability, use this. This technique has been used since the 5th Century and has evolved into the modern system we use today. 

HISTORY 

The earliest records of using hand signals to communicate date back to the 5th Century with Socrates saying, "If we hadn't a voice or a tongue, and wanted to express things to one another, wouldn't we try to make signs by moving our hands, head, and the rest of our body, just as dumb people do at present?" 

It wasn't until 1775 that the first free school for those afflicted with deafness was created. Charles Michel de L'Epee encouraged the development of communication skills with hand gestures and was critical in bridging the gap between hearing and non-hearing people.

There are now 23 schools for deaf people in the UK and sign language is accepted as language with grammar and syntax.

FAMOUS DEAF PEOPLE

Ludwig Von Beethoven - He started losing his hearing at the age of 28, and was completely deaf towards the end of his life. 

Helen Keller - The most inspiring deaf person, she was the first deaf person to graduate from a collage and went on to become a successful author and speaker. She continues to influence the deaf community, even after her death, through Helen Keller International.

Thomas Edison - He is credited with the invention of the light bulb and is believed to have become deaf due to scarlet fever in his childhood. His is quoted with saying 'it made him a better scientist'.

Read More