CHAPTER 2 - Sign Language

Vocabulary Comprehension - Words in Context

A. Complete each statement with the best answer. The words in bold are from the passage.

1. When you get the hang of something, it becomes much ______
A) easier
B) harder

2. Practical advice is useful ______
A) on special occasions
B) in everyday life

3. Which words below are similar?
A) big, small
B) small, short

4. What do ______ stand for?
A) the numbers 123
B) the letters ATM

5. He’ll demonstrate the move. You just have to ______ him.
A) watch
B) listen to

6. In an introductory class, you will probably learn ______ from the teacher.
A) simple information
B) advanced information

7. Which of the following involves communication?
A) writing, typing
B) running, jumping

8. Who would you send a formal letter to?
A) your close friend
B) your boss

B. Answer the following questions, then discuss your answers with a partner. The words in bold are from the passage.

1. What occasions are generally seen as formal?
   Answer

   weddings, funerals, interviews, graduation, court hearings;

2. How are you similar to people in your family?
   Answer

   similarities might include personality, appearance, likes and dislikes;

3. What letters do you know that stand for something?
   Answer

   text messaging phrases such as BTW for by the way and LOL for laugh out loud;

4. What are some ways that animals communicate?
   Answer

   sound, movement, body posture

In many ways, sign language is similar to spoken language. The words of sign language are made with signs, which are formed with movements of the hands, face, and body. As with words, each sign has a different meaning and can be combined to form sentences. Signed languages also have their own grammar. The alphabet of sign language is special hand signs that stand for letters; they make spelling possible. The signs combine to form a rich language that can express the same thoughts, feelings, and ideas as any spoken language. And just as people from different countries speak different languages, most countries have their own variety of sign language.

In addition to knowing sign language, it is also helpful to know something about how deaf people communicate. Since they rely so much on actions, deaf people are generally not very formal when they "talk," and may touch your arm or shoulder a lot to make sure you know what they're saying. It is not seen as rude in among deaf people to lightly touch someone you do not know to get their attention. It's also okay to wave your hands or hit the table or floor. Also, lots of eye contact¹ is necessary.

There are many ways to learn a few signs. Community colleges often teach introductory classes. For self-learners, bookstores and libraries have books for learning sign language. There are also instructional² videos on the Internet, with actors demonstrating signs and performing interesting stories and conversations for you to see. With practice, you'll soon get the hang of this useful method of communicating!