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Signs and Gestures for Basic Communication Needs. Signed languages are not universal. According to Wikipedia, there are 200 or more signed languages around the world
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Signed languages are not universal. • According to Wikipedia, there are 200 or more signed languages around the world • Valerie Sutton, the inventor of the SignWriting system states, “Just like spoken languages, signed languages are unique to each region of the world.”
The sign for “chair” in ASL & BSL: British Sign Language American Sign Language
Signs taught today are based on American Sign Language • Online dictionaries for ASL: • www.lifeprint.com • aslbrowser.commtechlab.msu.edu/browser.htm • www.aslpro.com • www.signingsavvy.com
Incorporate gestures • What gestures does the student already use? • Be aware of cultural differences in gestures
What other American cultural gestures can you think of? Do you know any gestures from other cultures?
Some hand gestures from around the world • Mexico: • http://peterbrice.com/the-definitive-guide-to-mexican-hand-gestures.html • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M20Lfl4yYKg • Phillipines, Indonesia, Australia, and Brazil: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWUcGgSolw4 • Italian • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0n4Vw6twKo&feature=related
Recognize modified signs • Student may not be able to make certain handshapes • What signs or gestures do they already use? • What do they mean when they use those signs or gestures? • Ask parents or caretakers to provide information on home communication.
Pay attention to eye-gaze • When a student is trying to communicate something, watch where they are looking closely. This and a point or wave may be the only indication of a want or need.
What are some basic communication needs? • In groups of 3-5, identify basic communication needs of your students that you see on a daily basis • Record at least 10 basic concepts you feel are important for day-to-day communication