Learning a new language is one of the bucket list things all of us have tucked away that we’re always meaning to take care of. But while many of us might remember a little bit of Spanish from school, few of us ever become truly bilingual. But rather than reach for the obvious subjects (Italian, Japanese etc.) why not instead learn a language that is often overlooked? Sign language.
What is sign language?
Though it’s often thought of as a rather modern invention, sign language actually has its roots all the way back in 1620 by Juan Pablo de Bonet. Of course, this wasn’t sign language as we know it today but a nascent form of signed English. The language has progressed a great deal over the last 500 years but the primary language used in the US today is known as American Sign Language (or ASL).
ASL is actually one of the most commonly spoken languages in the US (the 4th, actually) and it’s important to realise that the vocabulary and grammar of ASL are quite different to spoken English. As such, learning ASL is as much about learning the language itself as it is about figuring out hand gestures.
Why learn sign language?
Even if you don’t have hearing problems, sign language can be an incredibly exciting and useful experience for the following reasons:
It’s growing in popularity – Communication with the deaf and hearing impaired can be done by lip learning as long as they are well-practiced in the art. But over 5% of the global population are hearing impaired and the majority of them would certainly prefer to communicate by sign language than by awkwardly studying your lips. It’s thought that 1 in 10 people will have some form of hearing loss by 2050 so why not get ahead of the situation now? And perhaps consider an online hearing test while you’re at it.
Learning another language improves your brain – Learning a language is comfortably one of the most highly regarded ways of strengthening your brainpower. Bilingualism not only improves cognitive function but can increase your memory and attention span. Sign language has also been proven to be easier to learn for people with autism and dyslexia.
Career opportunities – If you are looking for a career that can truly leave you fulfilled and give you hundreds of potential opportunities for expansion into other areas, sign language could be the key that unlocks that door. Whether it’s working as an interpreter in hospitals, the courts or even on TV, or teaching sign language to other people, there are dozens of opportunities to consider.
Contributing to inclusivity – By learning sign language you are making the world a better and more inclusive place. And when did anyone ever regret learning a new language anyway?