Is there a French sign language?
The French Sign Language is popular among the French people. It is a distinct language of its own which is quite different from the American Sign Language. In this article, we will look briefly into the history of the French Sign Language and why you should learn it
Brief History of French Sign Language
There are roughly 100,000 native French signers that use French Sign Language (FSL) as their primary communication method. Charles Michel de l’Épée may have invented the FSL. However, he simply took the sign language used by the Parisian deaf community, tacked on a ton of regulations to make it impossible to understand, and then established a free school for the deaf to learn his version of the language.
Even though he couldn’t resist tweaking, he was willing to accept sign language as a whole language on its own merits. It was thanks to him that French Sign Language thrived until the late 19th century, when “oralism” became the new way of communicating with those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
From the late 1800s through the late 1970s, students were discouraged from registering for school to learn French Sign Language. However, the language was revived in school in 1991 and is now used by the deaf community to communicate with one another.
FSL – A Three-dimensional Language
FSL is a language, just like any other. It has its alphabet and grammar, distinct from other languages. Proper names and words that do not exist in sign language are spelled using a system known as the dactylogical alphabet. Sign language uses a three-dimensional grammar which makes it feasible to represent multiple concepts at once in a visual language.
There are several ways to express yourself through your facial expression, and one of the most common is to frown, which signifies you’re questioning someone. As one of the most accessible languages, a French sign language is a great option for beginners. So many of the indications are simple movements that we’ve seen before. Using the signals quickly becomes second nature to children. Learning is made more accessible by the fact that it’s simple.
Using French sign language as a means of communication will reduce the number of interruptions and make it easier for pupils to understand one other, especially in a classroom setting.
If you learn French sign language, you may find yourself using it more than any other language. You don’t want to yell across a busy room, yet you still need to get your point across. Sign language is an excellent way to communicate. You can use it not only if you’re deaf or hard of hearing. It comes in handy when on the phone, and you need to interact with a person in the room without interrupting your discussion.
Learn French Sign Language
The use of sign language can be highly beneficial. Besides, it’s a beautiful language and one that should be learned. It can be utilized at any time and in any place. At TutorOcean, we highly recommend that you take the time to learn the French sign language.
Many individuals are astonished to realize that French sign language can be freely accessed. It’s very usual for humans to repeat various gestures. The eagerness of children to utilize the signals is instantly apparent. Learning can be promoted because it’s so simple. Although French sign language is not as tough as other languages, it isn’t easy. Learning the grammar, vocabulary, and expressions necessary for signing will require practice and patience.
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You can also check out our guide on How to learn French online.
French sign language FAQs
Yes, French Sign Language exists and is used by the deaf and hard of hearing in France and the French-speaking regions of Switzerland. These regions today still use French Sign Language.
American Sign Language (ASL) is most closely similar to French Sign Language. Although, it has been argued that the two languages may have different characteristics and lexicons.
While the one-handed alphabet is used in both FSL and ASL, the British Sign Language (BSL) uses two hands to sign its alphabet. It is very distinct from the FSL.
French sign language proficiency can be achieved after a significant amount of consistent study and practice over a long time. It will take three months and three years to learn the sign language.
So, how hard is it to learn French? It really depends on the person asking this question and their level of dedication to learning the language. For some, it may come more naturally than others but with enough motivation, anyone can become fluent in French! The tips and tricks above will help you along the way.
But with enough motivation and commitment, anyone can learn how to speak French fluently. Bonne chance!
