The difference between spoken language and sign language

Should we say sign language or sign languages?

In fact, following the publications, we knew that among our first comments there would be AT LEAST one on the choice of terminology between "sign language" and "sign languages". It is absolutely correct to say that there are different SIGN LANGUAGES that vary from one place/region to another. In French, there is, among others, French Sign Language (LSF: Europe/France) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ). In English, there is, among others, American Sign Language and Australian Sign Language. These languages indeed have their own rules for sentence structures and a repertoire of signs.

Where does the term "sign language" come from?

The popular use of the term SIGN LANGUAGE must be a derivative of some kind of translation of Baby Sign Language, which is the program at the root of using signs with babies in the United States in the 1980s.

However, in the general population, the use of signs with babies is done as a support for speech. We are inspired by existing sign REPERTOIRES (all the better if they are better known), but the signs are used with the structure of spoken language and to support the keywords of the sentence. Therefore, the rules of sign languages are not used.

Why did we choose this terminology in the articles?

Why did we choose this terminology in the articles? Well, as you can see, it was done with full awareness. Not to mislead the reader, but to allow those who do not make this more advanced distinction to find the tools they need. For the vast majority of people, it is this terminology that will allow them to find information and tools... and then possibly be informed of their distinctions in the end, for the needs of this clientele, that's what we found most important... and I had no doubt that I would have the opportunity to clarify everything.

So I hope this demystifies the terms and that the tools will be useful to people who want to know a little more about the use of signs...

thank you and best regards