Sign language

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sign-language

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the linguistic modality?Visual-gestural, utilizing hand movements, facial expressions, and body posture
2. What is the grammatical structure?Possesses complex syntax, morphology, and phonology distinct from spoken languages
3. How do sign languages show questions or negations?In sign language, raising eyebrows, nodding the head, or moving the mouth can show a question, say "no", or add emphasis. These facial gestures are part of the language’s grammar.
4. Why are sign languages important for deaf people?Sign language lets deaf people share ideas, learn new things, and join in school, work, and community life. It helps everyone feel included and respected.

Phonology (in sign language): The study of the basic components of signs, including handshape, orientation, location, and movement.
Oralism: An educational approach for deaf students that emphasizes lip-reading and speaking, often discouraging sign language.
Linguistic relativity: The idea that the structure of a language affects its speakers' cognition and worldview, applicable to sign languages.