Sign Language and Non-Verbal Communications as a Language Construct, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper examines the concept of sign language and nonverbal communication as an integral part of language constructs. This examined from a sociological perspective and the values that these other forms of communication represent. Sign language and nonverbal communication was an early part of communications with primitive man. This included such items as body language and was used to convey emotion or feeling.

Sign Language

Sign language is typified as a non-verbal method of communication. It essentially facilitates a hearing or speech impaired individual to talk by making signs with their hands. This means of communicating was also used by native Indian North American tribes as a means of communication. Most of these forms of communication contain both a spelling alphabet and a lexicon of signs which are specific to a word or concept. In this regard they are similar to normal language constructs. The use of sign language does not require the need for any specific equipment but the ability for both persons to learn and know the sign language for effective communication.

Picture Exchange Communication

This form of nonverbal communication was established in 1985 to help the communication of autistic children with adults. The concept uses a book and sets of pictures in order to convey needs and desires by showing this on a board to the person they are communicating with. This method facilitates communication for those with little or no literary skills. In certain circumstances the pictures can be used to teach words by association with the picture. This technique is often employed by Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) with specific focus on young children beginner learners of the language. (Allott)

Augmentive Communication

This is a form of nonverbal communication that is a relatively slow process and requires visual concentration. This process uses writing in association with electronic devices to convert to speech audio files. It can equally be used to touch images on a screen and then the audio sounding of the word is played back. This method has somewhat limited use but is incorporated into beginner language teaching courses.

Body Language

Body language is another form of nonverbal communication. This is often an unwilling response of the person conveying such information. Recognising such signs can help in modification of your own behavioural pattern to adjust the situation. Consider a person tapping a pencil in a meeting – a sign of boredom and the lack of engagement of the person. This can be changed by posing the person a question and making them participate. A person with arms crossed may be demonstrating a defensive posture because they feel threatened or intimidated. These needs to be changed by making the person feel more relaxed and less exposed or threatened. (Pillai)

Conclusions

Both sign language and nonverbal communications are an important part of conventional language constructs and teaching. They will continue to offer an important contribution to people with impaired learning abilities and young children.

Works Cited

Allott, R. “Autism and the Motor Theory of Language.” . London: Guild, 2001. Chapt 6.

Pillai, Maya. Body Language. 12 5 2012. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/reading-body-language-examples-on-body-language.html>.